Nutritional deficiency

Nutritional deficiency refers to a pathological state caused by a lack of essential nutrients or inadequate nutrient intake, leading to impaired physiological function and health consequences[1][3][9]. Types include both macronutrient deficiencies (such as protein-energy malnutrition—marasmus and kwashiorkor) and micronutrient deficiencies (such as deficiencies of vitamins like A, D, B12, C, and minerals like iron and iodine)[1][2][4][9]. Nutritional deficiencies are diagnosed clinically and can be driven by various causes, including insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption, chronic illness, or increased losses[1][3][7][9]. The concept is a broad clinical or epidemiological category and not a molecular drug target.

Other names

Nutrient deficiencymalnutritionundernutritionmicronutrient deficiencyprotein-energy malnutrition