Suboptimal means not optimal or not functioning at its full potential. It describes a situation, decision, or outcome that is less than ideal and could have been better if certain factors were different or if more information was available.
(Bartick, M. & Reinhold, A. (2010) The Burden of Suboptimal Breastfeeding in the United States: A Pediatric Cost - Analysis. (cindyandjana.com)
This results in suboptimal absorption of amino acids and nutrients crucial for good mental health and preventing anxiety. (nourishinghope.com)
The provision of non — breast milk fluids to healthy breastfed infants has been associated with suboptimal breastfeeding behaviors, shorter breastfeeding duration, and mothers being less likely to meet their own breastfeeding intentions (14,15). (cdc.gov)