3. How do I know if my diet is missing something important?
People may notice fatigue, getting sick often, hair thinning, brittle nails, poor concentration, or digestive problems.
These symptoms don’t always mean a nutrient deficiency, but they can be clues that the diet may not be well balanced.
In Canada, common nutrients people don’t get enough of include fibre, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fats. This can happen if someone eats very few vegetables, fruit, whole grains, or protein foods, or if they follow a very restrictive diet. This can look like digestive issues, low mood, and changes to our skin, hair and nails.
The best way to know for sure is not to guess or rely on supplements, but to review your eating pattern with a Registered Dietitian who can look at the whole picture. Supplements can help in some cases, but they should be based on individual needs, not trends.