The Truth About Vitamin Deficiencies: Signs, Testing, and Treatment
At ADAPS Healthcare, we frequently see patients who are doing “all the right things” — eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep — yet still feel fatigued, foggy, or unwell. One common question we hear is whether vitamin deficiencies could be playing a role.
This article explains what vitamin deficiencies are, how they may present, how they are properly evaluated at ADAPS Healthcare, and what evidence-based treatment looks like — without speculation or misinformation.
Transparency statement: Vitamin deficiencies cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Lab testing and clinical evaluation are required to confirm deficiencies and guide treatment.
What Is a Vitamin Deficiency?
A vitamin deficiency occurs when the body does not have sufficient levels of a vitamin required for normal physiological function. Vitamins support essential processes such as energy production, immune system regulation, nerve function, and bone health.
Deficiencies may occur due to:
Inadequate dietary intake
Absorption issues (such as gastrointestinal conditions)
Certain medications (including metformin or acid-reducing medications)
Increased needs related to age, chronic illness, or pregnancy
Common Vitamin Deficiencies We Evaluate
Vitamin testing is considered when clinically appropriate, based on symptoms, medical history, and risk factors — not as a one-size-fits-all approach. Here are a few vitamins and potential symptoms if you are deficient:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium absorption and bone health.
Bone or muscle discomfort
Increased fracture risk
Frequent infections
Vitamin B12
Fatigue
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Memory or concentration changes
Anemia
Important clinical note: Neurological symptoms may occur even in the absence of anemia, which is why appropriate lab testing matters.
Iron
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide.
Persistent fatigue
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Pale skin
Folate (Vitamin B9)
Fatigue
Mouth sores
Anemia
How ADAPS Healthcare Evaluates and treats Vitamin Deficiencies
At ADAPS Healthcare, evaluation is personalized and evidence-based. Our approach may include targeting blood testing when clinically indicated, reviewing diet, medications, and medical history, and consideration of absorption and chronic health conditions. It is important to note that lab reference ranges by laboratory. “Normal” results must be interpreted in the context of the individual patient, not in isolation.
Nutrition-First When Appropriate
For mild deficiencies, dietary adjustments may be recommended. Examples would include fortified foods and fatty fish for Vitamin D, lean meats, beans, and leafy greens for iron, and animal products or fortified foods for B12. Dietary changes alone may not correct deficiencies caused by malabsorption or significantly low levels.
Supplementation (When Medically Indicated)
When necessary, we may recommend oral vitamin supplementation, monitored higher-dose therapy, injectable vitamins in specific, evidence-supported cases. It is important to note that excessive supplementation, particularly with fat-soluble vitamins, can be harmful and should only be done under medical guidance.
Why Self-Diagnosing Vitamin Deficiencies Can Be Risky and when you should schedule an appointment
Taking supplements without proper testing may mask underlying medical conditions, delay accurate diagnosis, and lead to vitamin toxicity or medication interactions. For example high folic acid intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, allowing neurological damage to progress.
You may benefit from an evaluation if you experience:
Ongoing fatigue without a clear explanation
Numbness, tingling, or cognitive changes
Recurrent infections
Hair thinning or unexplained weakness
We provide comprehensive primary care services to patients in the Norwood, MA and surrounding communities focusing on identifying root causes and creating individualized care plans. Our team focuses on accessible, patient-centered care grounded in medical evidence — not trends or guesswork.
Vitamin deficiencies are measurable, diagnosable, and treatable — but only when approached with evidence-based testing and personalized medical care. At ADAPS Healthcare, we partner with patients to evaluate symptoms thoroughly and recommend treatments that are appropriate, safe, and supported by medical science.
