Are You at Heightened Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies?

These factors deplete nutrients and increase the need for using supplements

In addition to age, other conditions can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies—and your need for using supplements. These conditions include:

• Diabetes. Diabetes is a nutritional wasting disease; elevated blood sugar levels lead to increased urination and losses of water-soluble nutrients.
• Cancer. Most people afflicted with cancer die of cachexia, or nutritional wasting, brought on by the disease.
• Depression. Loss of appetite is common in depression.
• Celiac, Crohn’s, and inflammatory bowel disease. Damage to the intestines leads to impaired absorption and acute risk of nutritional deficiencies.
• Dementia. People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia often neglect the basics of self-care, including eating.
• Heart failure. Muscle wasting in this condition increases nutrient requirements.
• Eating disorders or frequent dieting. Inadequate food intake may lead to deficiency states.
• Post-surgery or -injury. Nutrient needs skyrocket following surgery or injury, and this can lead to deficiencies in vitamin C, zinc, key amino acids, and other nutrients.
• Hospitalization. Prolonged hospital stays are notorious for bringing on or worsening malnutrition.
• Drugs. Certain drugs—including digitalis, Parkinson’s medications, and some antidepressants—blunt appetite. Others deplete the body of specific nutrients.

WATCH: Dr. Whitaker Explains Why Virtually Everyone Is Deficient in Vitamin D3

More Dr. Whitaker Advice on Nutritional Support

• Why taking vitamins is essential
• How to get started using supplements
• List of nutrient-depleting drugs