Category: Dietary deficiencies

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 90% of Americans may not get enough choline, an essential nutrient, from their diets. The long-term effects of low choline intake can significantly impact several major organ systems, with serious consequences for overall health and cognitive function over time.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition, which includes undernutrition from a lack of nutrients, is one of the greatest global health challenges affecting millions worldwide. The broader term for a condition due to a lack of nutrients is malnutrition, and it encompasses several different forms with distinct causes and consequences.

According to research, approximately 85% of the global population does not consume enough omega-3 fatty acids, leaving a significant portion of people vulnerable to a wide array of health problems. These essential fats are crucial for cellular function and overall well-being, but a long-term deficiency can manifest in surprising ways throughout the body.

Globally, a significant portion of the population is affected by vitamin D insufficiency, and one contributing factor often overlooked is diet. While sunlight is the primary source, dietary factors can substantially influence whether you can maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

While vitamin K deficiency is rare in healthy adults, certain population groups are at increased risk of a vitamin K deficiency, including newborns and individuals with specific medical conditions like malabsorption disorders. This critical nutrient is vital for blood clotting and bone health, making its deficiency a serious health concern for those most vulnerable.

Your hair is composed mainly of keratin, a fibrous protein, and inadequate protein consumption can directly impact hair health and growth. When your body's protein stores are insufficient, it prioritizes essential physiological functions over non-critical processes like hair production, often resulting in noticeable thinning and shedding.

At least 2 billion people worldwide have insufficient iodine intake, making iodine deficiency a significant global health problem. This essential trace mineral is crucial for thyroid function and overall development, so understanding the factors behind its depletion is key to effective prevention and health management.

Over 2 billion people globally suffer from deficiencies in key micronutrients, highlighting the widespread nature of malnutrition. Understanding what is the first stage in developing a nutrient deficiency is critical for early prevention, as this initial phase often lacks any noticeable symptoms and can go undetected for a long time.

According to the World Health Organization, hundreds of millions of children worldwide are affected by fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin A, leading to night blindness and increased risk of infection. These essential vitamins are absorbed with dietary fat, and their deficiencies can have serious health consequences if not properly managed.

Research indicates that your body's initial response to inadequate protein intake is to break down muscle tissue to acquire the necessary amino acids. This mechanism highlights the critical nature of sufficient protein for the body's ongoing functions.