Nutrient Deficiencies and Ways to Prevent Them
Katarzyna Mazur
2026-03-24
7 min. read
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Nutrients are chemical substances that are provided to the body through food. They are essential for the proper functioning of the body. These nutrients include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, mineral salts, and water. Each of them plays different roles, such as structural (e.g. proteins), energy (carbohydrates, fats), and regulatory (vitamins, minerals). Their deficiency can lead to the development of many dangerous diseases. Are there any specific nutrients that one should pay particular attention to in order to avoid deficiencies?
What are the causes of nutrient deficiencies?
The nutrient requirements for individual nutrients have been established in the 2020 publication of the Food Standards for the Polish population and their application. The primary cause of nutritional deficiencies is an unbalanced diet. Food deficiencies are a serious issue, particularly in African countries. In Poland, nutritional deficiencies due to insufficient food supply can occur, for instance, when implementing restrictive, low-calorie diets for weight reduction. Unfortunately, an adequate amount of food does not guarantee access to all necessary nutrients. Overconsumption of processed foods, avoiding fruits and vegetables, or following an elimination diet can also lead to deficiencies. Other risk factors include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, or advanced age.
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