For spatial analysis of regional patterns, NDI values ​​were grouped into five deprivation categories using the natural breakdown method (Jenks). Findings from entropy weights indicate that micronutrient deficiencies such as protein, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium play the largest role in the formation of deprivation, and that nutritional quality, compared to calorie intake, has a more prominent contribution in explaining the level of nutritional deprivation. The NDI index varies between 0.09 and 0.82 at the provincial level, and this wide dispersion indicates significant heterogeneity in the distribution of nutritional deprivation among different regions. Based on the results, the provinces of West Azerbaijan (0.09), Hormozgan (0.22), Sistan and Baluchestan (0.23), Guilan (0.25), and Hamadan (0.27) are in the “very high deprivation” category. In contrast, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (0.79) and South Khorasan (0.82) provinces have the best situation and are placed in the “very low deprivation” category. In addition, a significant portion of densely populated and industrialized provinces, including Khorasan Razavi, Tehran, East Azerbaijan, Isfahan, and Kerman, are in the “high deprivation” or “moderate deprivation” levels, indicating qualitative challenges in the food consumption patterns of rural households in these regions. The fact that some provinces with higher economic or agricultural capacities are in relatively higher levels of nutritional deprivation indicates that this phenomenon is not simply a function of poverty or production levels, but rather that consumption patterns, diet quality, and access to micronutrients also play a determining role. The results of this study highlight the need to review the country’s nutrition policies with an emphasis on strengthening access to micronutrients, improving the food distribution system, promoting nutritional literacy, and designing targeted provincial interventions.