Nutritional deficiencies can have a significant impact on energy, mood, immunity, and long-term health. Low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, or antioxidants, can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, frequent illnesses, and other health issues.
At Shine Health and Wellness, Kimberley Shine, MD, and her team understand the impact of nutritional deficiencies. They also utilize advanced testing and personalized care to identify imbalances, address the conditions that may cause them, and create tailored nutrition plans that restore health and vitality.
What vitamin D does in the body:
- Supports calcium absorption, crucial for strong bones and teeth
- Boosts immune system function, helping the body fight off infections
- Plays a role in mood regulation and may help prevent depression
- Supports cardiovascular health and reduces inflammation
What happens when vitamin D is low:
- Bone pain or weakness, increased risk of fractures (osteopenia/osteoporosis)
- Frequent illnesses or infections due to a weakened immune response
- Fatigue and low energy
- Mood changes, including depression or anxiety
- In children, severe deficiency can cause rickets, a condition of soft, weak bones
B Vitamin Deficiency
There are eight B vitamins, each with unique roles:
- B1 (Thiamine): Energy metabolism, nerve function
- B2 (Riboflavin): Cellular function, energy production
- B3 (Niacin): Cholesterol management, skin health
- B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Hormone and cholesterol synthesis
- B6 (Pyridoxine): Brain development, neurotransmitter function
- B7 (Biotin): Hair, skin, and nail health
- B9 (Folate): DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation
- B12 (Cobalamin): Nerve function, red blood cell production
What happens when B Vitamins are low:
- Fatigue, weakness, and low energy
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (especially B12 deficiency)
- Anemia (low B12 or folate)
- Brain fog, memory issues, or mood disturbances
- Hair loss, brittle nails, or skin problems (low biotin)
- In pregnancy, low folate levels can lead to birth defects
Magnesium Deficiency
What magnesium does in the body:
- Supports muscle and nerve function
- Helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar
- Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body
- Supports relaxation and stress management
What happens when magnesium is low:
- Muscle cramps, twitches, or spasms
- Fatigue or weakness
- Anxiety, irritability, or trouble sleeping
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- High blood pressure or insulin resistance
- Migraines or chronic headaches
Iron Deficiency
What iron does in the body:
- Essential for making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells
- Supports cellular energy production
- Helps with cognitive function and immune health
What happens when iron is low:
- Anemia, which can cause fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Hair loss or brittle nails
- Poor concentration or cognitive fog
- Increased susceptibility to infections
Low Antioxidants
Common antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and compounds like beta-carotene and polyphenols.
What antioxidants do in the body:
- Protect cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage
- Support immune function
- Slow the aging process and help prevent chronic disease
- Promote skin health and reduce inflammation
What happens when antioxidants are low:
- Increased inflammation and higher risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer)
- Accelerated aging of skin and tissues
- Weakened immune system and slower healing
- Cognitive decline or brain fog
- Eye health issues, such as macular degeneration
Shine Brighter With Personalized Nutrition
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, we offer comprehensive nutritional assessments, lab testing, and individualized treatment plans to help you identify and correct deficiencies.
Whether you need vitamin supplementation, dietary counseling, or IV therapy, our goal is to help you feel your best from the inside out. Call us today at 626-317-0207 or click here to schedule a consultation.