7+ common vitamin deficiencies and what to do about it

The best way to ensure that you're getting all the vitamins your body needs to function properly is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. In fact, one of the main reasons many people suffer from deficiencies is that they don't eat the way they should. But even if you eat a healthy and balanced diet, the way your food is stored, a lack of freshness and processing can greatly affect the vitamins your body is able to absorb.

The list below describes how certain vitamins are essential to your health, some symptoms you may recognize if you're suffering from a deficiency and the foods you should eat to get your vitamin levels back on track. There are supplements you can take, but usually the best source is the all-natural way through food. 

It's important to note that you cannot diagnose a vitamin deficiency on your own, so if you recognize any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. Under your doctor's guidance and supervision, you can get a deficiency under control in a way that works for you and any of your pre-existing conditions.

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role because it aids the production of DNA and helps make new neurotransmitters in the brain. You may be surprised to learn that this vital vitamin is not made naturally in the body. We rely on food to supply us with enough vitamin B12 to keep us healthy. But what are the signs of deficiency? Check out 8+ signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency that are often overlooked.

Magnesium helps detoxify your body of environmental toxins and prevent migraines and cardiovascular diseases. Some studies show it could even reduce the risk of developing diabetes for those who are high risk. But despite its incredible benefits to our bodies, 80 percent of us have a magnesium deficiency. Pay attention: here are 12 signs you need more magnesium.

Vitamin D is something we often forget to think about because it occurs in our bodies as a natural response to the sun. However, since 2000, new studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiencies are actually rampant. This is affecting people of all ages who wear sunscreen on a daily basis, but also the elderly—humans produce less Vitamin D with age, and elderly people are more likely to spend the majority of their time indoors. The only way to be sure whether you are Vitamin D deficient is with a blood test, but here are 10 signs of Vitamin D deficiency you shouldn't ignore.

Iron is so important to your health because it helps your body make the red blood cells it needs. When your iron levels are too low, your body can't carry enough oxygen, which can cause serious problems. Be sure to check out these 11+ signs of iron deficiency that could cause health issues.

5. Calcium 

Drink your milk! Here's what you probably already know about this essential vitamin: Calcium is crucial for strong bone health. But it also controls muscle and nerve function. As we get older, bones become less dense, so it's easy to be deficient of calcium. Pay attention: 11 vital signs you need more calcium.

Also known as folic acid, folate is an extremely important vitamin for pregnant women and any women of childbearing age. Folate keeps cells and red blood cells in check, and a decrease in folate can cause neural tube defects in unborn children. Folate is water-soluble, so it can't be stored in our bodies long-term. We simply expel excess amounts in our urine. This means that we need to constantly replenish our supply of folate or we can become deficient in just a matter of weeks. Be sure to check out these 7+ often neglected signs of folate deficiency.

Tossing back some Vitamin C when you're suffering from a cold isn't likely to help the virus run any faster, but Vitamin C has plenty of benefits that you could be missing out on like protection against eye disease and wrinkling. Losing out on the health benefits of Vitamin C isn't the only reason you should worry about getting enough, low Vitamin C levels can lead to a bevy of health problems. Be sure to check out the 10 vital signs of Vitamin C deficiency.

Potassium helps ensure that all of your muscles (including your heart) work the way they should. The potassium in your blood helps control your blood pressure. Low potassium can lead to a number of health concerns including heart palpitations, cramps, and other issues. To get the most prepared, check out these top signs of potassium deficiency. ​

Vitamin A is found in many fruits and vegetables commonly available to people today, yet most people don't think too much whether they are getting enough of it in the food they consume. Many don't ever think about the possible consequences that can arise from not getting sufficient vitamin A in their diet. Don't be like most people. Learn about the signs of vitamin A deficiency.