10/11/2026
How do mineral deficiencies affect your health? π
1. Iron (Fe) Deficiency
β’ Role: Oxygen transport via hemoglobin, energy production
β’ Effects:
β’ Fatigue & weakness
β’ Pale skin
β’ Shortness of breath
β’ Brittle nails
β’ Restless leg syndrome
β’ Impaired cognitive function
β’ Possible Severe Outcome: Iron-deficiency anemia
2. Magnesium (Mg) Deficiency
β’ Role: Muscle & nerve function, enzyme activation, energy production
β’ Effects:
β’ Muscle cramps & spasms
β’ Anxiety & irritability
β’ Sleep disturbances
β’ Heart arrhythmias
β’ Headaches/migraines
β’ Numbness & tingling
β’ Possible Severe Outcome: Seizures, abnormal heart rhythms
3. Calcium (Ca) Deficiency
β’ Role: Bone strength, muscle contraction, nerve signaling
β’ Effects:
β’ Bone loss (osteopenia/osteoporosis)
β’ Muscle cramps
β’ Tingling in fingers
β’ Weak or brittle nails
β’ Dental problems
β’ Possible Severe Outcome: Osteoporosis, bone fractures
4. Zinc (Zn) Deficiency
β’ Role: Immune function, wound healing, taste & smell, enzyme activity
β’ Effects:
β’ Frequent infections
β’ Slow wound healing
β’ Hair loss
β’ Poor taste/smell
β’ Skin rashes or acne
β’ Possible Severe Outcome: Impaired growth in children
5. Potassium (K) Deficiency (Hypokalemia)
β’ Role: Nerve transmission, muscle contraction, heart rhythm
β’ Effects:
β’ Weakness & fatigue
β’ Constipation
β’ Muscle cramps
β’ Abnormal heart rhythms
β’ Possible Severe Outcome: Paralysis, respiratory failure
6. Iodine (I) Deficiency
β’ Role: Thyroid hormone production
β’ Effects:
β’ Goiter (swelling in neck)
β’ Fatigue
β’ Weight gain
β’ Cold intolerance
β’ Mental sluggishness
β’ Possible Severe Outcome: Cretinism (in infants), severe hypothyroidism
7. Selenium (Se) Deficiency
β’ Role: Antioxidant defense, thyroid function
β’ Effects:
β’ Fatigue
β’ Muscle weakness
β’ Hair thinning
β’ Weakened immune function
β’ Possible Severe Outcome: Keshan disease (heart condition)
8. Sodium (Na) Deficiency (Hyponatremia)
β’ Role: Fluid balance, nerve impulses, muscle function
β’ Effects:
β’ Headache
β’ Confusion
β’ Nausea/vomiting
β’ Fatigue
β’ Possible Severe Outcome: Seizures, coma
9. Copper (Cu) Deficiency
β’ Role: Iron metabolism, nervous system health
β’ Effects:
β’ Fatigue
β’ Anemia (despite enough iron)
β’ Nerve problems
β’ Bone weakness
β’ Possible Severe Outcome: Irreversible nerve damage
10. Chromium (Cr) Deficiency (Rare)
β’ Role: Blood sugar regulation (insulin function)
β’ Effects:
β’ Impaired glucose tolerance
β’ Fatigue
β’ Mood changes
π§ Why minerals matter for mental health:
β’ Many act as cofactors for enzymes that make neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.
β’ They help regulate stress hormones (e.g., magnesium lowers cortisol).
β’ Deficiencies can slow nerve conduction, disrupt mood-regulating brain chemistry, and reduce stress resilience.
We can check your levels! Longevity Med Center
Call βοΈ (770)361-8260