Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies

Having normal potassium levels in the body is important because potassium is necessary for proper functioning of muscle cells and maintaining fluid balance and healthy blood pressure, and it helps regulate heartbeats. A mineral and electrolyte, it may decrease the risk of kidney stones and in older people also reduce the risk of bone loss. The most common reason for low potassium, or hypokalemia, is taking certain medications. Other causes include excessive alcohol drinking, kidney disease, and folate deficiency. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, mushrooms, potatoes, peas, cooked broccoli and spinach, and pumpkin.

Vitamin A is crucial for eye health. In fact, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the leading cause of preventable blindness among children, according to the World Health Organization. The main cause for VAD is prolonged inadequate intake of the vitamin. Foods that are rich in vitamin A include green and orange vegetables such as leafy greens and carrots, as well as eggs and cantaloupe.