Deficiències

Deficiències is the plural form of deficiència, a term used to denote a lack or insufficient amount of something essential. In health and nutrition, deficiències commonly refer to nutritional deficiencies, resulting from inadequate intake, poor absorption, increased needs, or chronic disease. The concept can also apply to deficiencies in equipment, services, or capacities in broader contexts.

Nutritional deficiencies include a range of vitamins and minerals whose insufficient levels can impair health. Common examples are iron deficiency (often causing anemia), vitamin A deficiency (risk of vision problems), vitamin D deficiency (bone health issues), iodine deficiency (goiter and developmental effects), folate deficiency (risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy), vitamin B12 deficiency (neurological symptoms), and calcium deficiency (bone strength). Deficiencies may be mild or severe and can develop over time.

Diagnosis and symptoms vary by deficiency but typically involve clinical assessment and laboratory tests. Blood counts, ferritin, hemoglobin, and specific vitamin or mineral levels help confirm deficiencies. Early detection improves outcomes and can prevent long-term complications. Symptoms often include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, cognitive changes, growth delays, or organ-specific signs.

Management and prevention focus on restoring nutrient levels and preventing recurrence. Treatments include dietary changes and targeted supplementation tailored to the deficit. Public health strategies, such as fortification of foods and supplementation programs, help reduce population-level deficiencies. Addressing underlying causes—such as malabsorption, infections, food insecurity, or poverty—is essential for effective control.

See also: nutritional deficiency, anemia, iodine deficiency disorders. The article aims to provide a concise overview of the concept and its implications for health.