Avitaminosis: Why Deficiencies Persist and How to Address Them
Avitaminosis does not follow a strict seasonal pattern. A lack of vitamins and minerals most often stems from an imperfect diet. This insight comes from Sergey Chudakov, who serves as co-chairman of Preventive Medicine and leads NTI HealthNet. He notes that a good portion of modern health problems can be traced to dietary choices rather than to the calendar.
The notion of a spring beriberi has deep historical roots. In earlier times, the end of winter and early spring brought depleted crop stocks, scarcity of food, and a drop in well being. Immunity could wane as a result. Today, supermarkets offer a wide range of products year round, reducing the risk of seasonal shortages. Yet nutrient density has changed. Modern processing, storage, and transport methods can lower the vitamin and mineral content of foods by significant amounts compared with mid century levels.
Presently, many people experience gaps in vitamins and trace elements almost all year. While traditions may push people to use certain dates as starting points for health changes, spring can still serve as a meaningful prompt to reassess habits and plan improvements for the rest of the year.
The most common signs of nutrient deficiency include reduced performance in mental and physical tasks, persistent fatigue, and noticeable changes in the skin, nails, and hair. Stress tolerance can decline, the digestive system may suffer, and signs such as premature graying, wrinkles, and more frequent respiratory issues can appear. Specialists stress that prevention remains the best strategy for preventing beriberi. The foundation is a balanced diet since vitamins and minerals come primarily from food sources.
Foods rich in greens, vegetables, and unrefined cold pressed oils deliver many essential nutrients. Berries act as powerful vitamin reservoirs, with black currants, red currants, sea buckthorn, and cranberries standing out as particularly beneficial. Fortified foods can contribute additional phytonutrients, which are plant-based compounds that support health even though they are not classified as vitamins or minerals. The growing role of dietary supplements reflects a broader shift toward proactive nutrition, but a check with a health professional before starting supplements is advisable and often recommended after testing.
To assess nutrient status, appropriate tests are available. Experts emphasize monitoring the levels of folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, among others. It is also important to recognize that stress and psychoemotional strain can disrupt nutrient balance even in individuals who eat a well-rounded diet. Regular evaluation helps tailor nutrition plans to individual needs and health goals.