AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist shares 5 signs of nutrient deficiency: ‘Weak bones isn't first warning for…’
Gastroenterologist Dr Sethi lists first warning signs your body makes to indicate that you have nutrient deficiencies, such as poor sleep, fatigue, and more.
Sometimes, when you are constantly feeling moody, anxious, or have poor sleep patterns, among other signs, it is not always tiredness because of late working hours or bad lifestyle habits. It could also be your body's way of giving warning signs of some underlying deficiencies in your body.

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In an Instagram post shared on November 22, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist with 25 years of experience and trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford University, highlighted a few deficiencies and the warning signs your body gives for each of them. Let's learn more about them.
5 warning signs that indicate nutrient deficiency
Listing the 5 warning signs of nutrient deficiency, Dr Sethi cautioned in the post's caption, “Your body whispers long before it shouts. Are you noticing those early signals? What symptoms have you been brushing off lately?” Therefore, if you feel ‘tired, moody, or foggy,’ the gastroenterologist noted that it's not just stress; it might be what your gut's missing.
1. Vitamin D deficiency
According to the gastroenterologist, the first sign of vitamin D deficiency isn't weak bones. It's feeling low or depressed for no clear reason.
2. Magnesium deficiency
The first sign of magnesium deficiency isn't muscle cramps, the gastroenterologist noted. According to him, it's poor sleep and unexplained anxiety.
3. B12 deficiency
As for a B12 deficiency, Dr Sethi explained that the first sign isn't anaemia. For a B12 deficiency, there is a tingling sensation in your hands, fatigue, and forgetfulness.
4. Potassium deficiency
Next, he revealed the first sign of a potassium deficiency. According to the doctor, it isn't muscle weakness. In fact, it's heart palpitations or feeling ‘off’ after sweating a lot.
5. Omega-3 deficiency
Lastly, the first sign of omega-3 deficiency isn't dry skin. “It's poor focus and irritability,” he stressed.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
ABOUT THE AUTHORKrishna Pallavi PriyaKrishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More
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