Puutetila

Puutetila is a medical term describing a condition in which the body has insufficient levels of a nutrient necessary for normal function. It can result from inadequate intake, impaired absorption, increased demand, or losses. Deficiency states may be subclinical or cause evident symptoms and organ dysfunction.

Causes include poor diet, malabsorption (for example, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease), pregnancy or rapid growth, chronic diseases (kidney or liver disease), medication interactions, and chronic alcohol use.

Common examples include iron deficiency causing anemia and fatigue; vitamin D deficiency affecting bone health; iodine deficiency leading to goiter and thyroid dysfunction; vitamin B12 or folate deficiency causing anemia and neurological symptoms; calcium, zinc, and other micronutrient deficiencies affecting multiple systems.

Symptoms vary by nutrient but may involve fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, weakness, bone or muscle pain, neuropathy, impaired wound healing, dermatitis, or cognitive changes.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment and laboratory tests of nutrient status, such as ferritin and transferrin saturation for iron; 25-hydroxyvitamin D for vitamin D; B12 levels; thyroid and iodine-related tests as appropriate.

Treatment and prevention focus on dietary modification to ensure adequate intake, targeted supplementation when indicated, treatment of underlying causes, and public health measures (fortification, screening) to reduce risk. Regular monitoring helps avoid overtreatment.