In the context of supplementation, who would be categorized as 'malnourished'?

Malnourishment refers to a state where an individual's nutritional intake does not meet their body's requirements, which can occur for various reasons, including inadequate consumption of essential nutrients. Individuals with dietary restrictions may face challenges in obtaining all the necessary vitamins and minerals, particularly if their restrictions eliminate entire food groups. For example, a vegetarian or vegan diet might lack adequate sources of vitamin B12 or iron if not carefully planned.

Dietary restrictions could be due to health conditions, allergies, or ethical beliefs that may significantly limit the variety of foods consumed, ultimately leading to nutrient deficiencies. In such cases, even if the overall caloric intake is adequate or the diet appears balanced superficially, the specific nutrient shortfall can categorize these individuals as malnourished if they do not supplement appropriately. Consequently, this group is more likely to require supplementation to maintain optimal health and prevent long-term deficiencies.