Several deficiencies can contribute to muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy. Some common examples include:
- Protein Deficiency: Inadequate protein intake can lead to muscle wasting, especially in older adults. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/protein-deficiency-symptoms
- Vitamin D Deficiency: This deficiency is linked to muscle atrophy in both animals and humans. It disrupts the balance between protein degradation and synthesis, leading to muscle loss. https://dx.doi.org/10.1210/en.2013-1369, https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/988049
- Vitamin C Deficiency: Long-term vitamin C deficiency can also cause muscle wasting, which can be reversed by restoring vitamin C levels. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-41229-7
Additionally, conditions like muscular dystrophy, a group of diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass, can also result in muscle loss. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscular-dystrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-20375388
