Visual Exam for Nutritional Status
The 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 |
Note: Always consult with a health professional before taking any new supplements.
