*Poor digestion can prevent nutrient absorption into the blood stream, thus creating a deficiency.

*Drinks such as hot tea and coffee as well as spicy foods can cause the intestines to become inflamed, which will limit absorption.

*Alcohol damages organs essential to digestion and metabolism of nutrients. Alcohol also increases the need for B-complex vitamins as well as vitamins A and C. It stimulates the kidneys to exrete more fluid than you take in, which can creat a relative state of dehydration that’s dangerous..

*Smoking increases the need for vitamin C and damages the digestive tract. It causes depletion of vitamin C up to 100 milligrams per cigarette.

*Overuse of laxatives can result in poor digestion.

*Overcooking and food processing can destroy many temperature sensitive nutrients. Canning, cooking, storage, freezing, and preparation all cause additional nutrient loss. Boiling vegetables leaches out the water-soluble B and C. Steaming is preferable. B6 can be destroyed by microwaving.

*Illness and accidents can increase the need for protein as well as vitamins and minerals. Injuries require larger amounts of protein, vitamins A and C and zinc in the healing process.

*While antibiotics are useful for destroying harmful bacteria, it can also destroy B-complex vitamins. Aspirin speeds up the loss through urination of calcium, potassium, B and C.

*Stress aging, lack of sunlight, junk food, carbonated beverages and high levels of physical activity are also factors that increase the need for extra vitamins and minerals. "Empty" foods low in nutrition force your body to "borrow" nutrient reserves in order to digest junk.