Understanding Nutrition: What are nutrients of concern?

October 14, 2025 •

7 min read

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, several key nutrients, including calcium, potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamin D, are of public health concern due to consistent underconsumption by the general population. Understanding what are nutrients of concern is the first step toward building a more nutritious diet and promoting overall well-being.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the nutrients identified as underconsumed in the U.S. population, detailing their functions, associated deficiency risks, and reliable food sources for each.

Key Points

Underconsumed Nutrients: Public health authorities have identified several nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and dietary fiber, that are consistently underconsumed by a large portion of the population.
At-Risk Populations: Specific groups such as older adults, pregnant women, and those on vegan diets have a higher likelihood of experiencing deficiencies in certain nutrients.
Diverse Food Sources: Incorporating a wide variety of whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes is key to obtaining adequate levels of nutrients of concern.
Strategic Supplementation: For individuals in at-risk groups or with confirmed deficiencies, supplements may be necessary to meet nutrient needs, but this should be done with professional medical guidance.
Lifestyle Factors: Factors beyond diet, such as sun exposure for vitamin D and combining certain food types for better absorption, play a significant role in addressing these nutrient gaps.
Know the Signs: Recognizing the symptoms of specific deficiencies, such as fatigue from iron deficiency or weakened bones from low vitamin D, is important for early intervention.

What Defines Nutrients of Concern?

Nutrients of concern, also known as "shortfall nutrients," are those that a significant portion of a population consistently consumes in amounts below recommended levels. The reasons for this widespread underconsumption can vary, from low intake of nutrient-dense foods to shifts in modern dietary patterns towards highly processed, low-nutrient options. For specific populations, factors like pregnancy, age, or dietary choices such as veganism introduce additional risks for deficiency in certain nutrients.

Public health agencies, like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), periodically identify these nutrients based on dietary surveys and health outcome data. The goal of identifying these nutrients is to inform and guide public health campaigns, food fortification policies, and dietary recommendations to help people better meet their nutritional needs. Understanding which nutrients are commonly lacking allows individuals to make more informed food choices to fill these dietary gaps.

Calcium: Building Stronger Bones

Calcium is a vital mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth. It also plays a critical role in nerve function, muscle movement, and blood clotting. Chronic low intake of calcium can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis, especially in older adults.

Functions: Supports bone and teeth structure, aids in muscle contraction, facilitates nerve signal transmission.
Deficiency Risks: Osteoporosis, increased fracture risk.
Food Sources: Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), fortified plant-based milks, green leafy vegetables (kale, broccoli), tofu, sardines.

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium absorption and bone health. It also plays a crucial role in immune function, cell growth, and reducing inflammation. The body produces vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight, but many people do not get enough sun exposure or live in regions with limited sunlight.

Functions: Aids calcium absorption, supports immune system, promotes cell growth.
Deficiency Risks: Rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, weakened bones.
Food Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, tuna), fortified milk and cereals, egg yolks.

Potassium: An Electrolyte for Heart Health

Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle contractions. It is particularly important for heart health and can help regulate blood pressure by offsetting the effects of sodium. Most Americans consume far less than the recommended amount of potassium.

Functions: Regulates blood pressure, supports nerve and muscle function, maintains fluid balance.
Deficiency Risks: High blood pressure, increased risk of stroke.
Food Sources: Fruits (bananas, oranges), vegetables (potatoes, spinach), dairy, nuts, and beans.

Iron: Essential for Oxygen Transport

Iron is a mineral central to the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low iron intake can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function. Certain groups, including pregnant women, infants, and adolescent girls, are at higher risk.

Functions: Oxygen transport, energy metabolism, hormone production.
Deficiency Risks: Iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue, impaired cognitive development.
Food Sources: Heme iron (meat, poultry, seafood) is more bioavailable, while non-heme iron (legumes, nuts, fortified grains) is also important.

Dietary Fiber: More Than Just Digestion

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. It is crucial for digestive health, promoting bowel regularity and preventing constipation. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. Most Americans fall short of their daily fiber needs.

Functions: Digestive health, blood sugar control, cholesterol reduction, gut microbiome support.
Deficiency Risks: Constipation, increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Food Sources: Whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Choline: A Nutrient for Brain and Liver Health

Choline is an essential nutrient for brain development, memory, mood, and liver function. While the body can produce some choline, it is not enough to meet human needs, so some must come from the diet. High intakes of choline have been associated with better cognitive function, while deficiencies are linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Functions: Brain development, memory, nerve function, lipid transport.
Deficiency Risks: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, muscle damage.
Food Sources: Eggs, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, cruciferous vegetables, and legumes.

A Comparison of Key Nutrients and Recommended Daily Allowances

The following table compares the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) for several nutrients of concern for an average adult, highlighting the widespread underconsumption of these nutrients in the U.S. population based on information from sources like the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Oregon State University.


Nutrient	Recommended Amount (Adults)	Why it's a Concern	Example Food Sources
Calcium	Men: 1,000 mg (19-50 yrs); 1,000 mg (>51 yrs) Women: 1,000 mg (19-50 yrs); 1,200 mg (>51 yrs)	Low intake is a public health concern, increasing osteoporosis risk.	Dairy products, fortified milk alternatives, green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin D	15 mcg (600 IU) up to age 70; 20 mcg (800 IU) >71 yrs	Many don't get enough sunlight or dietary sources, leading to deficiency.	Fatty fish, fortified foods, egg yolks, sun exposure.
Potassium	Men: 3,400 mg Women: 2,600 mg	Underconsumption is linked to adverse health effects like hypertension.	Potatoes, spinach, bananas, yogurt, beans.
Iron	Men: 8 mg Women: 18 mg (19-50 yrs)	Deficiency can cause anemia, especially in reproductive-age women and children.	Red meat, poultry, seafood, fortified cereals, beans.
Dietary Fiber	25-35 grams	Most Americans fall short, impacting digestive and heart health.	Whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts.
Choline	Men: 550 mg Women: 425 mg	A large percentage of the population does not meet the AI.	Eggs, meat, fish, poultry, cruciferous vegetables.

At-Risk Populations for Nutrient Deficiencies

While many people fall short of recommended intakes, certain populations face an even greater risk of deficiency due to physiological needs or specific dietary restrictions. These groups often require special attention to their nutrient intake.

Pregnant Women: Have increased needs for iron, folate, and iodine to support fetal development. Folic acid supplementation is especially crucial to prevent neural tube defects.
Older Adults: Experience reduced appetite, less efficient nutrient absorption, and lower sun exposure. This increases their risk for deficiencies in vitamins D, B12, and calcium.
Vegans and Vegetarians: People on plant-based diets must be mindful of nutrients primarily found in animal products, such as vitamin B12, iron, and iodine. Careful meal planning or supplementation is necessary.
Individuals with Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like Crohn's disease or celiac disease can impair nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in magnesium and others.
Infants: Breastfed infants may require vitamin D supplementation, as breast milk alone may not provide adequate amounts.

Addressing Deficiencies: Practical Strategies

To ensure adequate intake of these nutrients, a multifaceted approach combining diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes may be necessary. For specific medical advice, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional, especially when considering supplementation.

Dietary Strategies

Eat a varied and colorful diet: Include a wide range of fruits and vegetables to maximize nutrient intake. Different colors often indicate different vitamins and minerals.
Focus on whole foods: Prioritize whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds over processed options to boost fiber, magnesium, and other nutrients.
Choose fortified products: Look for cereals, breads, and milk fortified with nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
Include iodine sources: Use iodized salt in cooking and consume foods like dairy and seafood, which are often reliable sources.
Boost non-heme iron absorption: Pair plant-based iron sources (like lentils) with vitamin C-rich foods (like citrus fruits or peppers) to enhance absorption.

Supplementation and Lifestyle

Consider targeted supplements: If you are in an at-risk group or have a confirmed deficiency, a healthcare provider might recommend specific supplements. For example, older adults may need a vitamin B12 supplement.
Get enough sunlight: Where possible, safe sun exposure can help with vitamin D synthesis. However, it's crucial to balance this with sun protection.
Consult a professional: For personalized advice on addressing specific nutrient concerns, a dietitian or doctor can provide guidance on dietary and supplementation strategies.

Conclusion

While a balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health, it is clear that many individuals, particularly within certain demographic groups, struggle to consume enough key nutrients from food alone. The issue of what are nutrients of concern highlights the challenges of modern eating patterns and the need for greater awareness and targeted dietary strategies. By focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods and, where necessary, strategic supplementation, you can effectively address potential deficiencies and support your body's long-term health and wellness. This proactive approach is vital for preventing chronic diseases associated with these nutritional gaps and ensuring a healthier future for all.

Link to Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Addressing Common Nutrient Concerns: A Summary

Identify the concern: Understand that nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, potassium, iron, and fiber are frequently underconsumed by the general public.
Recognize at-risk groups: Specific populations such as older adults, pregnant women, and those on vegan diets are more susceptible to deficiencies.
Choose nutrient-dense foods: Prioritize whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins to address these nutrient gaps.
Consider supplementation strategically: Consult a healthcare provider to determine if supplementation is necessary, especially for hard-to-obtain nutrients like vitamin B12 on a vegan diet.
Use cooking and lifestyle strategies: Enhance nutrient absorption by pairing certain foods, and remember that lifestyle factors like sun exposure affect nutrient status.
Stay informed: Keep up with public health guidelines and be aware of how food processing trends can impact the nutrient content of your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason is widespread underconsumption. Public health data consistently shows that many people do not get adequate amounts of certain nutrients, leading to a public health concern.

Vegans should consume fortified foods, such as certain cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast, as vitamin B12 is only found naturally in animal products. Supplementation is also a reliable way to meet their needs.

Folate (or folic acid) is especially important for pregnant women, as it is crucial for fetal development and helps prevent neural tube defects.

Yes, older adults are often at higher risk for deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and calcium due to decreased appetite, lower absorption efficiency, and reduced sun exposure.

Good sources of dietary fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Including a variety of these foods helps ensure you get both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by balancing the negative effects of sodium and maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.

It is difficult to get excessive amounts of these nutrients from food alone. However, high doses from supplements can be harmful, and anyone considering high-dose supplementation should consult a healthcare provider.

The best approach is to eat a varied, nutrient-dense diet focusing on whole foods. Pay special attention to potentially underconsumed nutrients and consider fortification or supplementation if you belong to an at-risk group.