GLOSSARY

Nutrient Deficiency Disease is a clinical condition arising from inadequate status of a specific nutrient under the relevant diagnostic framework.

A nutrient deficiency can occur despite adequate total calories, while excessive supplementation can also cause harm. Evaluate dietary sources, absorption, increased losses, medication and relevant tests before assigning a cause. Correcting a documented deficit differs from taking an extra nutrient when status is already sufficient. Multiple deficiencies can coexist and may signal a broader intake or disease problem. Food-based improvements and suitable clinical treatment should address the underlying issue rather than adding an expanding collection of products without review.

An adequate diet provides sufficient energy and essential nutrients while fitting health needs. A high score for variety or a healthy food label cannot independently demonstrate adequacy. Review what is actually eaten, including foods excluded and suitable replacements. Athletes can consume many vegetables yet still lack enough energy or carbohydrate for training. Assess the overall pattern, distribution and relevant nutrient risks rather than assuming that a single food or supplement makes the entire diet balanced.

Malnutrition can occur across body sizes, including in a person with obesity. Assessment considers reduced intake or assimilation, disease-related inflammation, weight trajectory and relevant body-composition or functional findings. Undernutrition, overnutrition and individual micronutrient deficiencies describe overlapping but distinct problems. A stable or high body weight cannot exclude inadequate nutrient supply or muscle loss. In an athlete, declining intake, recurrent illness or unintentional weight loss deserves assessment rather than automatic praise for becoming lighter.