Which statement describes Secondary Deficiency?

• A. Inadequate Absorption Or Utilization Of Nutrients Despite Adequate Intake
• B. Inadequate Intake
• C. Excess Intake
• D. Genetic Deficiency

Answer: (A)

Secondary deficiency means you have enough of a nutrient coming in, but the body can’t absorb or use it properly. This makes sense because the problem isn’t a lack of intake, but a barrier in getting the nutrient from the gut into the bloodstream or into cells, or difficulties in how it’s metabolized. Conditions like malabsorption disorders, pancreatic or gut issues, chronic diseases, or certain medications can impair absorption or utilization, leading to a deficiency despite adequate intake. That’s why describing inadequate absorption or utilization despite adequate intake is the best fit.

Inadequate intake would cause deficiency because not enough nutrient is consumed. Excess intake isn’t a deficiency at all, and genetic deficiency refers to inherited conditions that affect nutrient status, which isn’t the standard description of secondary deficiency in this context.