Repletion

Repletion is the act of filling something that is empty or the state of being filled to capacity. The word derives from Latin repletio, from replere, meaning to fill again. In everyday language it can refer to a sense of fullness after eating or drinking, as well as to any situation in which a resource or stored quantity has been restored.

In nutrition and medicine, repletion commonly describes restoring depleted nutrient stores. Iron repletion, for example, is treatment aimed at restoring iron stores in iron-deficiency anemia. Vitamin and mineral repletion refers to supplementation to achieve normal blood levels. In exercise science and physiology, glycogen repletion describes the restoration of muscle glycogen after exertion, typically via carbohydrate intake. Repletion therapies may involve dietary changes, oral supplements, or intravenous administration, depending on the deficiency and clinical context.

In everyday use, repletion also denotes a state of fullness or satiety after a meal, distinct from the sensation of hunger. In historical medical or philosophical writings, the term has been used to discuss filling or balancing deficiencies and excesses, though modern usage often favors more specific terms such as replenishment or restoration.

See also: replenishment, saturation, satiety, nutrient deficiency, nutrient repletion.