Weight loss studies provide additional arguments against the “nutrient deficiency” theory.
In one weight loss study, participants following a low-carb diet for two years reported much lower cravings for carb-rich foods than those following a low-fat diet.
Similarly, participants put on low-fat diets during the same period reported fewer cravings for high-fat foods (18).
In another study, very low-calorie liquid diets decreased the frequency of cravings overall (19).
If cravings were truly caused by a low intake of certain nutrients, the opposite effect would be expected.
someone found this: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutrient-deficiencies-cravings https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190524-food-cravings-are-they-a-sign-of-nutritional-deficit
From the first article: