Brin M, Bauernfeind J C
Postgrad Med. 1978 Mar;63(3):155-9, 162-3. doi: 10.1080/00325481.1978.11714786.
Vitamin deficiency is a result of gradual depletion of body stores secondary to poor dietary habits or to disease. Marginal or preclinical vitamin deficiency results in nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, irritability or somnolence, loss of appetite and weight, and impairment of psychologic and physical performance socially or at work. These signs precede clinical signs of disease. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to vitamin deficiency because of the high incidence of illness and disability in the later years of life and because of other common problems, such as low income, poor appetite, and social isolation.
维生素缺乏是由于不良饮食习惯或疾病导致身体储备逐渐耗尽的结果。边缘性或临床前维生素缺乏会导致非特异性症状，如不适、易怒或嗜睡、食欲不振和体重减轻，以及在社交或工作中心理和身体表现受损。这些症状先于疾病的临床症状出现。老年人特别容易患维生素缺乏症，因为在晚年疾病和残疾的发生率很高，还因为其他常见问题，如低收入、食欲不振和社会隔离。
