Identify your nutrient deficiencies

May 12, 2011
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One of the perks of having so many expert practitioners around is being able to take advantage of their knowledge. Awhile ago, Cat Pantaleo, an herbalist and nutritionist at our downtown Boulder store, led a workshop for the office on nutrient deficiencies. She brought with her this handy worksheet that shows common health issues and the nutrient deficiencies that often cause them.

Follow these three steps to resolve your nutrient deficiencies.

Step 1: Circle any symptoms you have.

Symptom Nutrient
acne Essential fatty acids (EFA), vitamin A, vitamin B6, zinc
agitation calcium, magnesium
alopecia copper, EFA, riboflavin, vitamin B6, zinc
anemia copper, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6
anemia (megoblastic) folate
anorexia folate, iron, magnesium, niacin, thiamine, vitamin B6, zinc
anxiety calcium, chromium, EFA, magnesium, niacin, pyridoxine, thiamine
apathy folate, zinc
brittle nails calcium, iron, zinc
canker sores niacin
cognitive impairment calcium, potassium
cold hands and feet magnesium
cold, sensitivity to iron
constipation folate, iron, potassium, thiamine, vitamin B12
delusions calcium
depression calcium, copper, folic acid, iron, magnesium, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, rubidium, thiamine, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, zinc
diarrhea EFA, niacin, vitamin D, zinc
disorientation magnesium
dizziness iron, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin B6
eczema EFA, zinc, calcium
edema magnesium, potassium
fatigue chromium, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, niacin, potassium, thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc
gallstones EFA
gums, bleeding vitamin C
hair, dry EFA, vitamin A
hallucinations magnesium
headache folate, iron, vitamin B12, niacin
hyperactivity calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, niacin, pyridoxine, thiamine
hypercholesterolemia chromium, copper, potassium, selenium, zinc
hypertension calcium, magnesium, potassium
hypotension magnesium, potassium
immunodepression copper, EFA, folic acid, iodine, iron, magnesium, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc
impotence zinc
infertility (female) EFA
infertility (male) zinc
insomnia calcium, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, niacin, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin D
irritability calcium, iron, lithium, magnesium, niacin, thiamine, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C
kidney stones magnesium
legs, restless folate, calcium, magnesium
lethargy zinc
memory, poor folate, niacin, thiamine, zinc
mental confusion iron, magnesium, niacin, thiamine
muscle cramps calcium, magnesium
muscle pain magnesium
muscle spasms calcium
muscle tension calcium
muscle tremor magnesium
muscle weakness magnesium, niacin, potassium
nausea magnesium, niacin, vitamin B6
nervousness calcium, magnesium, potassium, thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin D
numbness of limbs calcium, thiamine, vitamin B12
palpitations calcium, iron, vitamin B12
paranoia folate, zinc
periodontal disease calcium
skin inflammation niacin, riboflavin
tooth decay calcium
vertigo magnesium
vision, blurred riboflavin
weakness copper, folate, thiamine, vitamin B6
wound healing, slow vitamin C, zinc, EFA, vitamin B6
*Source: Nutritional Influences on Illness and Nutritional Influences on Mental illness, by Melvyn Werbach, Third Line Press.

Step 2: Put a checkmark next to each nutrient that shows up next to a symptom. Nutrients that have four or more checkmarks are those you may be deficient in.

Retinol (Vitamin A) _____
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) _____
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) _____
Niacin (Vitamin B3) _____
Panthotenic Acid (Vitamin B5) _____
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) _____
Folate / Folic Acid _____
Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) _____
Vitamin C _____
Vitamin D _____
Vitamin E _____
Essential Fatty Acids _____
Calcium _____
Chromium _____
Copper _____
Iodine _____
Iron _____
Magnesium _____
Potassium _____
Selenium _____
Zinc _____

3. Come speak with a Pharmaca practitioner about the best way for you to get these nutrients!

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