How to Shop the Vitamin Aisle, Based on Your Diet

Other Common Insufficiencies

There are a number of other causes of nutrient insufficiencies that may affect you, even if you’re not adhering to a particular diet.

One common source of nutrient insufficiency? Allergies, Dr. Mitmesser tells SheKnows. If you’re avoiding a particular good or food group due to an allergy or sensitivity, you may be missing out on some of the nutrients that food or food group has to offer. Diets low in dairy may be low in calcium, for example. And as noted earlier, gluten-free diets are linked to a number of nutrient insufficiencies — even when those diets are full of foods that offer those nutrients.

When in doubt, speak to your primary care provider to ensure you’re consuming adequate amounts of major vitamins and minerals, and consider supplementing those that are limited in your diet.

Another major source of nutrient insufficiencies is nutrient-drug interactions, Dr. Mitmesser says. Many common prescription medications may deplete nutrients or decrease your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Birth control, for instance, is linked to depleted folic acid, magnesium and vitamin B6. And antibiotics can deplete calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin K and several B vitamins.

If you’re currently taking a prescription — or about to start taking one — be sure to talk to your doctor about potential nutrient depletions, as well as steps you can take to combat them.

This post was created by SheKnows for Nature Made. Statements about Nature Made products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.