Micronutrient deficiency

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Micronutrient deficiency
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fatigue, dizziness, pallor, hair loss, skin disorders, impaired immune function
Complications	Anemia, scurvy, rickets, pellagra, beriberi, goiter
Onset	Varies depending on the specific micronutrient
Duration	Chronic if untreated
Types	N/A
Causes	Poor diet, malabsorption, increased physiological needs
Risks	Malnutrition, poverty, alcoholism, gastrointestinal disorders
Diagnosis	Blood test, urine test, clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis	Macronutrient deficiency, chronic disease, infections
Prevention	Balanced diet, fortification, supplementation
Treatment	Dietary changes, vitamin and mineral supplements
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment, potentially severe if untreated
Frequency	Common in developing countries, varies globally
Deaths	N/A

Deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals

Micronutrient deficiency refers to the lack of essential vitamins and minerals required in small quantities for proper health and development. These nutrients are vital for the production of enzymes, hormones, and other substances necessary for growth and development. Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems, including impaired physical and cognitive development, increased susceptibility to disease, and even death.

Common Micronutrient Deficiencies

Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness and increase the risk of infectious diseases such as measles and diarrhea. It is a significant public health issue in many developing countries.

Iron Deficiency

Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and is a leading cause of anemia. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function.

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and developmental delays in children. It is a major preventable cause of intellectual disability.

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is important for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Zinc deficiency can result in growth retardation, loss of appetite, and impaired immune function. It is particularly prevalent in regions with diets low in animal products.

Niacin Deficiency

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is important for energy metabolism. Deficiency can lead to pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Pellagra is often associated with diets high in corn and low in niacin or tryptophan.

Causes of Micronutrient Deficiencies

Micronutrient deficiencies can result from inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, increased requirements, or increased losses. Factors contributing to these deficiencies include poverty, lack of access to diverse foods, and certain health conditions that affect nutrient absorption.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing micronutrient deficiencies involves ensuring a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and animal products. Fortification of foods, supplementation, and public health interventions are strategies used to address deficiencies. For example, iodized salt is used to prevent iodine deficiency, and vitamin A supplements are distributed in areas with high deficiency rates.

Global Impact

Micronutrient deficiencies affect billions of people worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They contribute to the global burden of disease and have significant economic impacts due to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs.

See also

• Malnutrition
• Vitamin deficiency
• Mineral deficiency
• Public health