Nutritional Deficiencies: The Underlying Causes

Nutritional Deficiencies: The Underlying Causes

Nutritional deficiencies are a significant global health concern, especially in developing countries. They arise when the body lacks essential nutrients needed for optimal functioning. Deficiencies in vitamins (A, B-complex, C, D, E, and K), minerals (including calcium, iron, zinc, and iodine), as well as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats can disrupt bodily processes, weaken immunity and increase the risk of infections and mild to chronic diseases. Understanding the causes of nutritional deficiencies and their impact on health is essential for effective prevention and management.1

In this article, we discuss the root causes of nutritional deficiencies.

 

Causes of Nutritional Deficiencies

The human body cannot synthesize certain essential nutrients, making it necessary to obtain them through diet. Several factors influence nutrient absorption and availability:

 

1.Poor Diet:

A diet high in processed foods and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contributes to inadequate nutrient intake. Busy lifestyles, lack of nutritional awareness and unbalanced dietary choices further exacerbate the problem.1

 

2. Malabsorption Disorders:

Certain medical conditions impair the body’s ability to absorb and digest nutrients effectively. These includes:

  • Congenital defects affecting the digestive system
  • Damage to the intestinal mucosa
  • Gastrointestinal infections
  • Disruptions in gut bacteria
  • Impaired gastrointestinal motility
  • Reduced blood flow or lymphatic function.2

Examples of malabsorption-related conditions include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

 

3. Chronic Diseases:

Long-term illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, liver disorders and cancer can negatively impact nutrient metabolism leading to imbalances.3 Additionally, certain medications used to manage these conditions may worsen micronutrient deficiencies.

 

4. Chewing Difficulties:

The digestive process begins in the mouth, where food is broken down for efficient nutrient absorption. Individuals with chewing difficulties, particularly older adults with missing teeth or those who do not use dentures, may struggle with proper food intake, leading to weight loss and an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.4

 

5. Medication Use:

Prolonged use of some medications can interfere with nutrient absorption and metabolism. Common examples includes:

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like pantoprazole, omeprazole (reduce stomach acid production, affecting vitamin B12 absorption)
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin (impact gastrointestinal health, potentially leading to deficiencies)
  • Antihypertensives & Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs (may affect fat-soluble vitamin absorption)
  • Oral Hypoglycemics & Corticosteroids (can deplete essential vitamins and minerals)
  • Antidepressants & Bronchodilators (may interfere with nutrient metabolism).5

 

6. Vegan Diet:

A well-planned vegan diet offers health benefits but may lack key nutrients if not properly balanced. Common deficiencies in vegan diets include:

  • Protein (plant-based sources provide less complete protein than animal sources)
  • Vitamin B12, B2, B3, D (primarily found in animal products)
  • Minerals like Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Iodine, Potassium, Selenium (present in lower amounts in plant-based foods)
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids (mainly sourced from fish and seafood)6

 

7. Alcohol Consumption:

Even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to health issues such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, liver disorders and gastrointestinal complications. These conditions can impair nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies.7 Alcohol intake also has a direct negative influence on nutrient absorption. Alcohol affects the digestive system by: Damaging the lining of the intestines, altering gut bacteria balance, reducing the efficiency of nutrient transporters in the small intestine. Chronic alcohol use is particularly linked to deficiencies in vitamins B1, B6, B12, folate, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.  

 

Conclusion

Nutritional deficiencies stem from various factors including poor dietary habits, malabsorption disorders, chronic diseases, medication use and some lifestyle choices. These deficiencies lead to severe health consequences like impairing immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections and thereby contributing to chronic illnesses. Identifying the root causes and addressing them is essential for preventing and managing deficiencies. To achieve that you can focus on balanced nutrition, appropriate medical interventions and lifestyle modifications. By promoting awareness and adopting healthier dietary practices, individuals can improve their overall well-being and reduce the risk of nutrition-related health issues.  

 
References
  1. Zhang Y. Understanding Nutritional Deficiency: Causes, Effects, and Solutions. J Nutr Food Sci. 2024;14:37.
  2. Zuvarox T, Belletieri C. Malabsorption Syndromes. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553106/
  3. Kiani AK, Dhuli K, Donato K, Aquilanti B, Velluti V, Matera G, Iaconelli A, Connelly ST, Bellinato F, Gisondi P, Bertelli M. Main nutritional deficiencies. J Prev Med Hyg 2022;63(suppl.3):E93-E101.https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2752
  4. M, Abuzinadah and Dhaher, Aljohani and (Kauh), Obai and A, Alharthi and M, Alabi and A, Saleh and H, Almutawakkil and Mohsen, Ali and Albakr, Amirah and Antar, Awadh and Alshahrani, Bashaiyer and Albanawi, Ayat and Alshammari, Jarrah and Mohammed, Alamri. Causes and Management of Malabsorption, A Review: Life Sciences Health. International Journal of Life science and pharma research. 2022;10:L1-L10.
  5. Mohn ES, Kern HJ, Saltzman E, Mitmesser SH, McKay DL. Evidence of Drug-Nutrient Interactions with Chronic Use of Commonly Prescribed Medications: An Update. Pharmaceutics. 2018 Mar 20;10(1):36.
  6. Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi, Afton Halloran, Holly L. Rippin, Artemis Christina Oikonomidou, Theodoros I. Dardavesis, Julianne Williams, Kremlin Wickramasinghe, Joao Breda, Michail Chourdakis. Intake and adequacy of the vegan diet. A systematic review of the evidence. Clinical Nutrition. 2020:40(5):3503 – 3521.
  7. Butts M, Sundaram VL, Murughiyan U, Borthakur A, Singh S. The Influence of Alcohol Consumption on Intestinal Nutrient Absorption: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 24;15(7):1571.

 

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