vitamin deficiencies/toxicities?

[minnesotan]

Has anybody ever been diagnosed with REAL vitamin or mineral deficiencies? Or heavy metal toxicities? How were they diagnosed and what were your symptoms? Do you believe in hair analysis? Thanks

[medicmommy]

I had brittle, thin nails with wavy ridges, and white spots in them that went away after the magnesium and calcium issues resolved...I still use papaya enzymes that has also amylase, lipase, and protease in them...They are chewable, and don't taste too bad!

[darlingdivatx]

What  did your fingernail look like that made them a "dead giveaway"? Also, what enzymes do you take to aid digestion?

Thanks!

[medicmommy]

Hello!
Yes, I have...some are easier to diagnose than others...I had a pretty significant vitamin B deficiency causing megaloblastic anemia and required shots weekly for several months...Also, I have had problems with highs and lows of calcium, iron, and magnesium...I had a hair analysis done which revealed no heavy metal toxicities, but a deficiency in molybnium (? sp), copper, and nickle...and of course, low ferritin (showed in blood tests too)...My doc believes I have a borderline malabsorption problem and a low intrinsic factor...Something inherited...I had coarse hair, dry skin, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, frequent attacks of low blood sugar, constant nasal congestion, and was prone to allergy -like reactions to things...After the anemia was corrected, I got all the other stuff leveled out...I made a few dietary changes, began eating more organically grown stuff, using sea salt in my food (high in minerals), supplemented with B-100 and extra folic acid, and also added kelp capsules to my supplements...also added digestive enzymes when I have a meal...Interestingly, all my female hormones are back to normal too..My doc also pointed out that my fingernails were a give-away that I had mineral issues...