When can one have vitamin deficiencies?

Deficiencies of vitamins are classified as either primary or secondary. A primary deficiency occurs when an organism does not get enough of the vitamin in its food. A secondary deficiency may be due to an underlying disorder that prevents or limits the absorption or use of the vitamin, due to a “lifestyle factor”.

What can cause the vitamins to not be absorbed efficiently?

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or the use of medications that interfere with the absorption, among other factors can cause poor absorption of vitamins leading to ill health.

Do I need vitamins in my diet everyday?

Because human bodies do not store most vitamins, humans must consume them regularly to avoid deficiency. Human bodily stores for different vitamins vary widely; vitamins A, D, and B12 are stored in significant amounts in the human body, mainly in the liver,[27] and an adult human's diet may be deficient in vitamins A and B12 for many months before developing a deficiency condition. However almost every kind of food that you take contains a certain amount of different vitamins and therefore you do take vitamins everyday. It is the quantity that is worrisome.

What are the common vitamins that cause vitamin deficiency disorders?

Well-known human vitamin deficiencies involve thiamine (beriberi), niacin (pellagra), vitamin C (scurvy) and vitamin D (rickets). In the developing countries, other vitamin disorders are also very common, including Vitamin A and Vitamin B12.

Can you have vitamin overdose?

Yes, you can. In large doses, some vitamins have documented side effects that tend to be more severe with a larger dosage. The likelihood of consuming too much of any vitamin from food is remote, but overdosing from vitamin supplementation does occur