Both nutrients and minerals are crucial for the healthy functioning of the body. Mineral deficiency may cause certain discomfort in the body and the person may find it difficult to carry out normal day-to-day activities. It is important to note that our body depends on many types of minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and manganese and each of these minerals plays a specific role. However, mineral deficiency in all its forms may lead to some common symptoms. 

Muscle cramps and joint pain -Calcium plays a significant role in keeping your bones and teeth healthy and strong. Additionally, it helps manage your blood vessels, nerves, hormones and more. Hence low levels of calcium can lead to many health problems, including muscle weakness, cramping and joint pain. If left untreated, it can also lead to decreased bone mineral density called osteopenia, which can be chronic.

Irregular heartbeat - Minerals like magnesium, iron and calcium look after many functions of the body. Deficiency of any of these minerals can trigger abnormal heartbeat. At a time, when the body suffers from iron deficiency and with low levels of hemoglobin, the heart has to work extra hard to pump oxygen throughout the body. This may cause irregular heartbeat or lead to an increase in the heart rate. Similarly, deficiency in magnesium can also cause heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. While increased or abnormal heart rate can be a symptom of many other conditions.

Bloating, nausea, loss of appetite - Mineral deficiency can also take a toll on your digestive health. While potassium deficiency can lead to bloating and abdominal pain, a deficiency of zinc can lead to loss of appetite and vomiting. Additionally, a low mineral count in the body can also decrease immune functions, making you more prone to infectious diseases.

Numbness and tingling - Numbness and tingling sensations in the body may indicate a mineral deficiency. Apart from that, a lack of calcium in the body could also cause a numbing effect and tingling in the fingers.

Fatigue and extreme weakness - Any type of mineral deficiency is bound to make you feel tired, weak and extremely lethargic. Especially when it comes to iron, it holds key to many bodily functions. Besides being used to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, it also helps produce myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Therefore, low iron levels cause low levels of hemoglobin, which means less oxygen reaches your tissues and muscles, depriving them of energy.