Some vitamin and mineral deficiencies are more obvious than others. This is both a blessing and a curse. Nobody looks forward to feeling or seeing the effects of poor nutrition. On the other hand, if obvious signs of nutrient deficiencies or malabsorption can be identified, proactive steps can be taken to address the problem. Anemia is a rather common nutritionally influenced condition. It is often caused by an iron deficiency which plays an essential role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. If there isn’t enough iron and hemoglobin (an oxygen carrying protein) present, symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, irritability, muscle weakness and spasms, poor cognitive and immune function, and skin problems often manifest. The obvious solution for many people is to simply supplement with therapeutic levels of iron. But on occasion, iron absorption is compromised and/or gastrointestinal side effects prevent good adherence to this vital therapy. Read more »