A balanced diet provides the right amounts of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water for humans. Dietary needs vary based on age, gender, and activity level. Malnutrition can result from deficiencies like iron or vitamin D, or from conditions like starvation, obesity, or scurvy. The human digestive system breaks down food mechanically with teeth and chemically with enzymes to produce small molecules that can be absorbed. Digestion occurs in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine, with absorption primarily happening in the small intestine through villi and microvilli that increase surface area for uptake into the bloodstream.
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