Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin deficiency disorders arise in the malnourished, those who follow strict vegan diets, as a result of malabsorption or as a side effect of medicines that interfere with the absorption of vitamins. Malnourishment is rare in the Western World but worldwide causes defects in the levels of proteins and all vitamins of Vitamin A and of other vitamins, with resulting deficiencies in the ability of lymphocytes to fight infection. A strict vegan diet can cause deficiencies in vitamins B12, D and riboflavin. Malabsorption in such conditions as coeliac disease causes deficiencies in the fat-soluble vitamins A D E and K, and medications such as phenytoin (used in the treatment of epilepsy) interfere with the absorption of vitamins D and K, as well as folic acid. The treatment of vitamin deficiency is vitamin supplements, together with essential minerals such as Zinc and magnesium.
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