From biodiversity to nature deficiency in human health and disease

Haahtela T, Bousquet J, Antó JM. Porto Biomed J. 2024 Jan 12;9(1):245. doi: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000245.

Abstract

Natural elements must be taken back to everyday
 life to compensate for nature deficiency.

Nature (biodiversity) loss is the loss or decline of the state of nature taking place in the wider environment. We present a novel concept, nature deficiency, referring to nature loss in the human body influencing health. Humans are connected with the natural environment and its microbes and biogenic chemicals through eating (drinking), breathing, and touching. The mental and sociocultural links to the environment are also strong. With medical and ecological research and guidelines, the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of nature deficiency may become part of the clinical practice. Nature prescription is likely to find plausible forms in patient care and inspire preventive actions at the society level. Health professionals are in a key position to integrate public health promotion and environmental care.

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