Deficiency (medicine)
Deficiency (medicine)
Deficiency in the context of medicine refers to the lack of, or shortage of, a particular substance that is considered essential for normal physiological functioning. The term is often used to describe conditions resulting from inadequate intake, absorption, or utilization of a necessary nutrient or substance.
Pronunciation
Deficiency: /dɪˈfɪʃ(ə)nsi/
Etymology
The term "deficiency" originates from the Latin word "deficientia", meaning "a lacking or failing". In the medical context, it was first used in the early 19th century.
Types of Deficiencies
Deficiencies in medicine can be broadly categorized into nutritional deficiencies and hormonal deficiencies.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies occur when the body does not receive or is not able to absorb the necessary amount of a nutrient. Examples include vitamin deficiencies, mineral deficiencies, and protein-energy malnutrition.
Hormonal Deficiencies
Hormonal deficiencies occur when the body's glands do not produce enough of a certain hormone. Examples include insulin deficiency, growth hormone deficiency, and adrenal insufficiency.
Related Terms
- Malnutrition: A condition that results from eating a diet in which one or more nutrients are either not enough or are too much.
- Hypovitaminosis: A deficiency of one or more essential vitamins.
- Hypogonadism: A condition in which the body does not produce enough sex hormones.
- Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Deficiency (medicine)
- Wikipedia's article - Deficiency (medicine)
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