What is Nutritional Deficiency?
The body requires many different vitamins and minerals referred to as micronutrients which are important for growth and disease prevention. These micronutrients are obtained from the food we eat. The amount of each nutrient required by the body depends on many factors including your age, health status, level of activity etc. When the body lacks the necessary amount of a nutrient, it causes nutritional deficiency.
Why Nutritional Deficiency Occurs?
Mostly, inadequate intake is the basic cause of the nutritional deficiency. However, increased requirement of a nutrient (like during pregnancy) which is not met or inadequate absorption of nutrients by the body also causes deficiency.
Deficiency Due to Malabsorption
One may have a nutritional deficiency, despite eating the right food. Inadequate absorption of nutrients by the body is also referred to as Malabsorption. It can be caused due to digestive problems where the body can’t absorb enough of certain nutrients and fluids. So, it is important to understand that eating right is not enough.
Absorption of Nutrients
The food we eat undergoes a chemical and mechanical digestion process. During this, it is broken down into macro and micronutrients by the digestive enzymes produced in the stomach. If the stomach is not able to produce these enzymes, the body will not be able to absorb the nutrients from the food.
Therefore, a healthy digestive system is important for this nutrient absorption process to work optimally. If our digestion or gut health is not good we may not absorb nutrients well.
Besides, good levels of hydrochloric acid, good gut bacteria and good cell integrity of the gut are important for nutrient absorption.
How to Improve Nutrient Absorption
Here are a few ways in which you can treat malabsorption.
Enzyme supplements
These supplements can help your body absorb the nutrients it can’t absorb on its own.
Nutrient supplements needs to be change
Consult a nutrition expert to understand which nutrients are not being absorbed by your intestine and how to address the deficiency through supplements.
Nutrient deficiencies can have a profound impact on your health. Nutrient replenishment can make a world of a difference in energy levels, brain health, physical fitness, and more.
Talk to our nutrition expert to know more!
