Many of us suffer from bad breath, cracked lips and agonising headaches. But they could all be a sign of something much more sinister.
These are just three of the common signs of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, experts have warned on the back of a new poll of 2,000 adults.
Other issues which could point to an insufficient diet include thinning hair, a lower libido, white spots on your nails, dandruff, stress and even dry skin. The findings, commissioned by Healthspan, showed six in ten adults are clueless about signs that could show they are suffering from a deficiency.
But according to Rob Hobson, a London-based nutritionist, adding more spring greens, red meat and nuts to your diet could help combat any distressing symptoms.
Below we reveal the common signs of any potential deficiencies, and the foods you could eat to help you overcome them.
CRACKED LIPS
What it could be a sign of: Iron or vitamin C deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Red meat, red peppers, kale and tofu
DANDRUFF
What it could be a sign of: Biotin, vitamin B7 or essential fatty acids deficiencies
Foods that may help overcome it: Fresh salmon, almonds, peanut butter and sunflower seeds
THINNING HAIR
What it could be a sign of: Iron and vitamin C deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Lemons, kiwi fruit, strawberries and red kidney beans
PSORIASIS
What it could be a sign of: Vitamin D, vitamin B, zinc or essential fatty acid deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Eggs, prawns, fresh tuna, mushrooms
DRY SKIN
What it could be a sign of: Omega-6 essential fatty acid deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Sunflower seeds, pine nuts, sesame seeds and turkey mince
ACNE
What it could be a sign of: Zinc deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Crab, spinach, cashew nuts and cocoa powder
GREASY SKIN AROUND THE NOSE
What it could be a sign of: Vitamin B2 or zinc deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Feta cheese, almonds, mackerel and asparagus
WHITE SPOTS ON NAILS
What it could be a sign of: Zinc or iron deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Lean pork, mushrooms, chickpeas and dried apricots
BRITTLE NAILS
What it could be a sign of: Iron deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Flaxseed, chicken liver, pistachio nuts, lentils
ULCERS/SORE TONGUE
What it could be a sign of: Vitamin B12, B3, iron or folic acid deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Black beans, pak choi, avocado and trout
BAD BREATH
What it could be a sign of: Iron deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Raisins, peas, fortified breakfast cereals, adzuki beans
According to Rob Hobson, a London-based nutritionist, adding more spring greens, red meat and nuts to your diet could help combat any distressing symptoms
HEADACHES
What it could be a sign of: Magnesium, vitamin B12 or B6 deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Pumpkin seeds, prunes, banana, fortified soy milk
NO TASTE
What it could be a sign of: Zinc deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Eggs, red meat, yoghurt and red kidney beans
DEPRESSION
What it could be a sign of: Vitamin B, D or magnesium deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Cashew nuts, kale, mushrooms and barley
ANXIETY
What it could be a sign of: Vitamin B, D, magnesium or calcium deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Tofu, milk, bananas and dates
BAD MOODS
What it could be a sign of: Vitamin B, D or magnesium deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Quinoa, salmon, avocado and french beans
STRESS
What it could be a sign of: Magnesium, zinc or essential fatty acids deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Fresh tuna, cocoa powder, prawns and sunflower seeds
CONSTANT FATIGUE
What it could be a sign of: Vitamin B, iron or magnesium deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Dried apricots, prunes, liver, walnuts
INSOMNIA
What it could be a sign of: Magnesium deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Spring greens, Brazil nuts, soya beans and chickpeas
RESTLESS LEGS
What it could be a sign of: Magnesium, iron or folate deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Avocado, dried oregano, bulger wheat and dark chocolate
LOW LIBIDO
What it could be a sign of: Vitamin D deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Mushrooms, fortified breakfast cereals, mackerel and eggs
ACHING JOINTS
What it could be a sign of: Magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium, vitamin B1 or D deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Trout, pork, chia seeds and macadamia nuts
PMS
What it could be a sign of: Magnesium deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, mackerel and wild rice
COLD HANDS AND FEET
What it could be a sign of: Iron deficiency
Foods that may help overcome it: Red meat, kale, tofu and cumin
Written by Stephen Matthews for and published by The Daily Mail ~ April 20, 2017.
FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml“