Causes of Nutrient Deficiency
A nutrient deficiency is defined as a lack of vitamins and/or minerals in your diet. Although you could be eating a balanced meal that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, there are still other sources for this inadequacy, often related to diet, health conditions, or lifestyle factors. Here are some common causes:
Malabsorption Issues: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food, leading to deficiencies.
Increased Nutrient Needs: Certain life stages or conditions, such as pregnancy, lactation, or intense physical activity, can increase nutrient needs. Without adjusting intake accordingly, deficiencies might occur.
Chronic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can impact nutrient absorption or increase nutrient losses, leading to deficiencies if not managed properly.
Medications: Some medications can interfere with the absorption or metabolism of nutrients. For example, certain antacids can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12.
Poor Dietary Choices: Choices such as vegetarianism or veganism can lead to deficiencies if not properly managed. For instance, vegans might need to pay special attention to vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Economic Factors: Limited financial resources can restrict access to a variety of nutrient-dense foods, potentially leading to deficiencies.
Food Processing: Highly processed foods can often be stripped of essential nutrients. If these foods constitute a large part of the diet, it can lead to deficiencies.
Age: Older adults may have reduced ability to absorb nutrients or may have dietary restrictions that contribute to deficiencies.
Alcohol and Drug Use: Excessive alcohol consumption and certain drugs can interfere with nutrient absorption and metabolism, leading to deficiencies.
If you suspect you might have a nutrient deficiency, addressing it may require adjustments to your diet, medications, and/or lifestyle. While these changes may seem foreign at first, they will ultimately help bring you more awareness about your nutrition and its contribution to living a healthy life and reaching your health/fitness goals.