A couple, who had been childhood sweethearts, had a loving and happy marriage. However, now in their middle age, the wife began to act out of character, often getting angry with her husband over trivial matters. The husband, distressed, accompanied his wife to a major hospital in the provincial capital for a consultation. After a comprehensive and thorough examination, the doctor concluded that the wife's emotional changes, which led to marital discord, were caused by malnutrition.
Common nutrient deficiencies in women include the following:
Vitamin B6
A deficiency in Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine hydrochloride, affects the metabolism of tryptophan, sugars, and estrogen. Women who take oral contraceptives before menstruation have an increased need for Vitamin B6. Insufficient intake can lead to excitability, hyperreflexia, peripheral neuritis, as well as headaches, irritability, drowsiness, and emotional lability. In severe cases, mental depression may occur. Vitamin B6 is found in high concentrations in the outer layers of grains and cabbage. Those with mild symptoms can increase their consumption of these foods. For severe cases, oral supplements of Vitamin B6 can be taken, 10-20 mg at a time, three times a day.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is most abundant in the liver and lean meat. A deficiency can cause glossitis, diarrhea, and megaloblastic anemia, often accompanied by neurological symptoms such as sensory dullness and motor incoordination. Women who take oral contraceptives long-term or consume little meat are prone to Vitamin B12 deficiency. In addition to dietary sources, it can be administered via intramuscular injection, 50-100 mg daily, or 50-200 mg every other day.
Vitamin B1
A deficiency in Vitamin B1 can not only cause beriberi but also lead to neuritis that affects the heart, resulting in irritability, drowsiness, fatigue, and nervousness with mood swings. Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B1. When combined with a diet of overly refined foods and long-term contraceptive use, the risk of deficiency increases. Therefore, to prevent and treat Vitamin B1 deficiency, it is necessary to avoid overly refined foods and alcohol. Oral supplements of Vitamin B1 can be taken when necessary.
Iron deficiency
Women with irregular menstruation, heavy flow, or shortened cycles are prone to iron deficiency due to significant blood loss. Some women have poor eating habits, favoring candies and pastries over meat and fresh vegetables, which can also lead to insufficient iron intake. Cooking in non-iron pots eliminates a source of dietary iron. Iron deficiency can affect the activity of many iron-containing enzymes, the formation of red blood cell pigments and myoglobin, leading to listlessness, fatigue, poor concentration, memory loss, emotional instability, irritability, excitability, tearfulness, and decreased libido.
Zinc
Zinc is involved in over 80 bodily functions and affects protein and nucleic acid synthesis; it is also an essential trace element for the reproductive system. Zinc is abundant in animal-based foods and is easily absorbed. Plant-based foods contain less zinc, and its absorption can be hindered by the presence of cellulose and phytic acid. Since zinc is concentrated in the outer layers of grains, processing wheat into refined flour can result in a 78% loss of zinc. Consuming sugar and alcohol can increase the body's zinc expenditure. Therefore, women who do not consume enough animal-based foods, favor sweets and pastries, or drink alcohol are at risk of zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency can affect personality and behavior, causing depression and emotional instability, which in turn can impact normal sexual relations and lead to marital discord.
Thus, after medical examination rules out disease factors, a woman's poor mood is often related to nutrient deficiencies. Appropriate supplements should be taken promptly to ensure women's health and marital harmony.