The Unseen Signs: 12 Subtle Red Flags of a Vitamin Deficiency

7. Muscle Cramps or Twitching

A nagging cramp in your calf, those odd muscle twitches as you wind down, or nighttime spasms—while common—might be more than a random annoyance. Magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, and B1 (thiamine) all play roles in keeping muscles relaxed and strong. When the body’s supply drops, these small signals often appear well before severe deficiency symptoms do. Because cramping is so often blamed on dehydration or tough workouts, it’s easy to miss the nutrition connection. If drinking water, stretching, and rest don’t fix the pattern, pause and consider magnesium- and calcium-rich foods such as avocados, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, or yogurt. Sometimes, quiet symptoms like these mean your body’s gently requesting help refueling. Repeated cramps or twitches—especially if new—deserve a spot on your list of things to mention at your next wellness visit.

8. Difficulty Seeing at Night

Do you struggle with headlights on dark roads, or need extra time for your eyes to adjust in a movie theater? Trouble seeing in low light, known as night blindness, could be an early sign of vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is crucial for creating pigments in your retina that help you see as light dims. When supplies are low, your eyes may tire quickly, struggle to adapt, or experience a subtle loss of clarity in the dark. Blurry nighttime vision often gets attributed to age, screen time, or just being tired. But if it sneaks up suddenly or seems to worsen, check your meals—do they include orange veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash? These foods supply the building blocks your eyes use each day. If you notice persistent changes, don’t be shy about discussing them with your eye doctor or primary provider. Early recognition means you can brighten your outlook—literally and figuratively.