Nutrient deficiencies raise metabolic risk in obesity

In a study of U.S. patients with obesity from the TriNetX electronic health records network, researchers tracked how nutritional deficiencies correlate with metabolic disorders. The team assessed deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and protein, as well as prior underweight status. They matched cohorts using propensity scores and tracked outcomes including severe obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and steatotic liver diseases. Vitamin D deficiency was the most prevalent at 10.6%, followed by protein deficiency at 8.9% and calcium deficiency at 7.5%. Incidence rates of protein, calcium, magnesium, and B12 deficiencies were highest in adults aged 70 and older. Deficiencies in vitamin D and B12, along with prior underweight status, were associated with the highest risks across metabolic outcomes, particularly for progression to severe obesity, prediabetes, and liver disease.