What condition arises when nutrients are not present in the proper amounts in a diet?

The condition where nutrients are not present in the proper amounts in a diet is called malnutrition. This term encompasses both undernutrition, where there are insufficient nutrients, and overnutrition, where excessive nutrients are consumed. Malnutrition reflects an overall imbalance in dietary intake, which can lead to a variety of health issues, including stunted growth, weakened immune function, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

This condition highlights the necessity of a balanced diet where the appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are consumed to maintain health. Malnutrition can result from various factors, including poverty, lack of education about nutrition, and certain medical conditions that hinder nutrient absorption.

While deficiency specifically refers to a lack of certain nutrients, it is a narrower term that does not cover the broader implications of malnutrition with respect to diet as a whole. Obesity and overnutrition also indicate an excess rather than a lack of nutrients, which doesn't pertain to the imbalance of nutrient intake covered by malnutrition. Therefore, malnutrition is the most comprehensive term to describe conditions arising from improper nutrient amounts in the diet.