Mineral deficiency
Sofia is a 27-year-old female who has developed significant fatigue. She says that she feels tired almost every day, despite getting adequate amounts of sleep. Drinking coffee helps, but she limits herself to one cup in the morning. She does not feel anxious or depressed and states that overall, her stress level is “not that high.” She loves her job working as an administrative assistant for an advertising agency and is newly engaged to her longtime boyfriend. She has maintained a healthy plant-based vegetarian diet for the past three years, avoiding all animal-derived foods. She is not on any medication but takes a B vitamin complex, as well as a calcium supplement with Vitamin D daily. Her body mass index is 18.7. She exercises three times a week for about 40-60 minutes, mostly running, hiking, and sometimes biking. She will lift weights occasionally as well. During exercise, she says that she notices a little shortness of breath, but nothing terribly concerning. Her menstrual cycles have been regular, but noticeably heavier over the past year. She also notices that her hair is shedding a lot, but can’t tell if it is more than normal; She says that she sees more in the shower drain and in her hair brush.
- What mineral deficiency does Sofia most likely have? Be sure to explain why she may have developed this deficiency and what symptoms are associated.
- If she went to see her doctor, would this deficiency show up in her bloodwork? What blood parameters would most likely be affected?
- What advice would you give Sofia to help correct her deficiency and how should she prevent this in the future?
