Warning Signs of Vitamin Deficiencies You Can Spot in the Mirror

37. Tiny Red or Purple Spots on the Skin: Vitamin C Deficiency

If you notice small red or purple spots on your skin, particularly on your arms, legs, or buttocks, it could be a sign of a severe Vitamin C deficiency. These spots, known as petechiae, are caused by blood leaking from tiny capillaries under the skin. Vitamin C is crucial for the formation of collagen, a protein that keeps your blood vessel walls strong and intact. Without enough of it, the capillaries become fragile and can easily rupture. This symptom, often overlooked as a minor skin issue, is a significant warning sign that your body's vascular system is compromised and needs immediate nutritional attention.

38. Brittle, Spoon-Shaped Nails: Iron Deficiency

While brittle nails can point to a number of deficiencies, a unique and unmistakable sign of severe iron deficiency is the development of nails that are thin, concave, and shaped like a spoon, a condition known as koilonychia. A healthy nail plate should be convex, curving slightly outward. When your body is extremely low on iron, it doesn't have the resources to produce a strong, healthy nail, causing it to become soft and bend inward. This physical change is a distinct and often late-stage sign of anemia, indicating a serious need to increase your iron intake through foods like red meat, legumes, and fortified grains.