Europe Asia News

Dr. Burak Uzel, an internal medicine specialist at Ataköy Medicana Hospital, stated that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are widespread in Turkey, noting that deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron are increasingly prevalent in society.

According to Dr. Uzel, the most commonly encountered deficiency in Turkey is vitamin D. Reasons include insufficient awareness of normal values and assessments based on foreign reference ranges. Among women, iron deficiency is quite common due to menstrual bleeding. The rise in vitamin B12 deficiency is influenced by declining food quality and medications such as metformin, used in diabetes treatment, which reduce vitamin B12 absorption.

Dr. Uzel noted that vitamin and mineral deficiencies most commonly manifest in daily life as weakness and fatigue, adding that iron deficiency may cause hair loss, brittle and peeling nails, and a burning sensation on the soles of the feet. In cases of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, memory problems and attention difficulties come to the fore in addition to fatigue.

Referring to risk groups, Dr. Uzel said pregnant women should be more cautious due to increased needs, and that routine multivitamin support is generally recommended during this period. He added that the elderly, those with limited access to fresh foods, and individuals in lower-income groups are also at risk, emphasizing that people with balanced diets often do not need additional supplements.

Dr. Uzel stated that the main reason vitamin D deficiency is more common in winter months is insufficient exposure to sunlight, noting that reduced sun exposure significantly lowers vitamin D synthesis in the body.

Pointing out that vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies can be confused due to similar symptoms, Uzel stressed that definitive differentiation must be made through blood tests. He added that untreated vitamin and mineral deficiencies weaken the immune system, and that vitamin D deficiency in particular is associated with bone health issues, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of cancer.

Emphasizing that supplemental vitamin use is not necessary for everyone, Dr. Burak Uzel warned that unregulated vitamin use can pose health risks. He stated that individuals with regular and balanced diets can address most deficiencies through nutrition, but in some cases, such as iron deficiency, food may not be sufficient and medication under medical supervision may be required.