Are Nutrient Deficiencies Holding You Back?

18 Mar

You eat a healthy diet, but still feel tired, foggy, or low? Many people don’t realise that nutrient deficiencies are common — even among those eating well. Modern farming practices, poor gut health, stress, and certain medications all affect nutrient absorption, leading to subtle but impactful deficiencies.

At Healixa Health, we often see nutrient imbalances driving fatigue, low mood, immune issues, and hormone disruption. Let’s explore the most common deficiencies — and what they mean for your health.

Why Are Nutrient Deficiencies So Common?

✅ Modern diets are often lower in minerals due to soil depletion (Source: Scientific American)
✅ Chronic stress depletes key nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins (British Nutrition Foundation)
✅ Gut issues (IBS, IBD, coeliac disease) reduce absorption (NHS UK)
✅ Medications like antacids, the pill, or statins interfere with nutrient levels (BMJ)

5 Common Nutrient Deficiencies That May Be Affecting You

1. Iron
Essential for oxygen transport and energy. Low iron is a leading cause of fatigue, especially in women.
Symptoms: Tiredness, pale skin, hair loss, breathlessness.
Sources: Red meat, lentils, spinach.
→ NICE guidelines recommend checking ferritin if fatigue is persistent: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anaemia-iron-deficiency/

2. Vitamin B12
Crucial for nerve function, mood, and red blood cell production. Deficiency is common in vegans or those with poor absorption.
Symptoms: Fatigue, memory issues, tingling, low mood.
Sources: Meat, fish, eggs, fortified foods.
→ NHS B12 advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/

3. Vitamin D
Supports immunity, bones, and mood. Deficiency is common in the UK due to lack of sun.
Symptoms: Low mood, frequent illness, aches, fatigue.
Sources: Sunlight, oily fish, fortified foods.
→ NICE guidance: test if fatigue, bone pain or mood issues present.

4. Magnesium
Involved in over 300 enzymatic processes — key for energy, stress regulation, and sleep.
Symptoms: Anxiety, poor sleep, muscle cramps, headaches.
Sources: Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate.
→ British Nutrition Foundation magnesium overview: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritionscience/vitamins-minerals/magnesium/

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Essential for brain health, inflammation control, and heart health. Low intake linked to low mood, brain fog, and skin issues.
Sources: Oily fish, flaxseeds, walnuts.

Signs You Might Have a Nutrient Deficiency:

Ongoing fatigue
Poor immune function (frequent colds)
Brain fog or concentration issues
Mood swings, anxiety, or low mood
Hair thinning or brittle nails
Muscle aches or cramps

Should You Supplement?

Supplements can help bridge gaps, but testing is ideal to avoid guesswork. At Healixa Health, we recommend targeted testing to identify deficiencies and guide supplementation safely. Not all supplements are created equal — we only recommend third-party tested, high-quality brands.