hypovitaminosis

Hypovitaminosis is a general term for a deficiency of one or more vitamins in the body. It encompasses a range of disorders caused by inadequate intake, impaired absorption or storage, or increased requirements. Deficiencies can involve any vitamin and may present with organ- or system-specific signs.

Common vitamin-specific patterns include vitamin A deficiency, which can cause night blindness and ocular surface changes; vitamin D deficiency, linked to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults; vitamin C deficiency, associated with scurvy; and deficiencies of B vitamins that can result in anemia, fatigue, and neuropathy. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bleeding disorders. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are more prone to toxicity with excessive supplementation, whereas water-soluble vitamins are usually excreted but can still cause toxicity at high doses or in certain conditions.

Causes and risk factors include inadequate or unbalanced dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes (such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease), pancreatic insufficiency, and increased physiological needs during pregnancy, infancy, or rapid growth. Chronic illness, alcoholism, certain medications, and restricted diets or bariatric surgery also raise risk. Socioeconomic factors and age further influence susceptibility.

Clinical presentation varies by vitamin but often includes fatigue, weakness, pallor, mucocutaneous symptoms, or bleeding tendencies. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment supported by laboratory testing; serum levels can be influenced by transient factors and may not always reflect tissue stores. Functional markers and context are important for interpretation.

Management emphasizes targeted vitamin supplementation, dietary modification, and treatment of underlying causes, with monitoring for response and toxicity. Prevention focuses on balanced diets, food fortification when appropriate, and supplementation for at‑risk populations such as pregnant women, infants, and individuals with malabsorption or restricted diets.