Nutrition
Visual Exam for Nutritional Status
Download PDFThe foods you eat not only influence how you feel but also how you look. Certain physical signs can determine possible nutritional deficiencies.
| Body Part | Symptoms | Possible Deficiency/Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Scalp | Red, itchy, dry | Omega-3, Omega-6, Vitamin A |
| Dandruff, hair loss | Vitamin B6, Zinc, Limited protein absorption | |
| Face | Rough, scaly skin on forehead and nose | Vitamin B2, Iron |
| Acne | Zinc, Vitamin A | |
| Edema, puffy round face (moon face) | Limited protein absorption, Hypothyroidism, Allergies | |
| Eyes | Dry, red, light sensitive | Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6 |
| Puffy, dark circles | Allergies, Food sensitivities, Kidney malfunction | |
| Lips | Cankers, cracks in the corner of mouth | Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 |
| Dry lips | Omega-3, Omega-6 | |
| Tongue | Red, irritated | Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, Iron |
| Gums | Bleeding, tender | Vitamin C, Co-enzyme Q10 |
| Skin | Dryness, hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin and may include calluses, corns, and plantar warts) | Vitamin A, Omega-3, Omega-6 |
| Stretch marks, small broken blood vessels on surface of skin | Vitamin C, Zinc | |
| Bruises, excess bruising | Vitamin C, Vitamin K | |
| Small red bumps on back of arms | Omega-3, Omega-6 | |
| Hands | Cold hands | Magnesium, Hypothyroidism |
| Nails | Thin, splitting, brittle | Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Omega-3, Omega-6 |
| White spots | Zinc | |
| Spoon shaped | Iron | |
| Muscles | Tenderness | Vitamin B1 |
| Excessive fatigue | Carnitine, Co-enzyme Q10 | |
| Nerves | Abnormal sensation of burning, tingling or aching | Magnesium, B-Complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) |
| Fidgety | Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12 | |
| Trembling | Vitamin B2 | |
| Bones | Weak, soft, fragile bones | Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus |
| Joint pain, muscle cramps | Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D | |
| Heart | Irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps | Potassium, Magnesium |
| Chest pain, muscle weakness | Co-enzyme Q10, Magnesium | |
| Blood | Pale skin, fatigue | Iron, Vitamin B12, Folic acid |
| Bruising, bleeding gums | Vitamin C |
Note: Always consult with a health professional before taking any new supplements.
