Nutritional deficiencies and when to seek assessment
Healthy nutrition and balanced diet · Version 3
Published for academic testing - Research-owner authorisation, 16 Oct 2026. This is separate from independent clinical review.
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed in small amounts for normal body functions. Deficiencies can affect health and development; iron, vitamin A and iodine are examples. Iron deficiency can cause anaemia, but anaemia also has other causes. Tiredness alone cannot identify a deficiency.
Varied foods and appropriately fortified foods can help meet nutritional needs. Beans, vegetables and suitable animal-source foods can contribute within a balanced diet, but no single food guarantees adequate nutrition. Persistent fatigue, poor growth or other concerns needs professional assessment. Do not diagnose a deficiency from symptoms or start high-dose supplements from chat advice. Pregnancy, childhood and existing medical conditions require individual guidance about testing, diet and supplements.
Source and review
World Health Organization · Anaemia ↗
Source sections: Overview; Causes; Treatment and prevention
World Health Organization: Micronutrients
Overview; Impact · Checked 2026-10-15
FAO: Food based dietary guidelines Nigeria
Food guide; Messages · Checked 2026-10-15
Source accessed 15 Oct 2026. Independent review pending.
General health information, not a diagnosis or prescription. Content approval is not clinical validation of HealthGuide. Seek professional care for individual concerns.