Which symptom can indicate a nutritional disorder?

Chronic diarrhea is a significant symptom that can indicate a nutritional disorder because it often leads to malabsorption of essential nutrients in the digestive system. When the body cannot properly absorb nutrients due to persistent diarrhea, it can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, ultimately resulting in various nutritional disorders. For example, conditions such as celiac disease or chronic infections can cause ongoing diarrhea and impair nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss and nutritional imbalances.

In contrast, blood in the stool may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding or structural issues in the digestive tract, severe muscle pain could be related to various conditions such as muscle strain or systemic disease rather than directly indicating a nutritional issue, and high blood pressure is typically associated with cardiovascular conditions rather than nutritional deficiencies. Thus, chronic diarrhea stands out as a clear indicator of potential nutritional disorders due to its direct impact on the body’s ability to obtain and utilize nutrients effectively.