Concepedia

The Nature of Child Malnutrition and Its Long-Term Implications

Food and Nutrition Bulletin · 1999 · 342 citations · 9 references

TL;DR

Malnutrition in poor societies is a syndrome of developmental impairment—encompassing growth failure, delayed motor, cognitive, and behavioral development, diminished immunity, and increased morbidity and mortality—that often co‑occurs with vitamin A deficiency and anemia, flourishes during in utero and the first three years of life, affects at least a third of young children in developing countries, and leads survivors to suffer adult functional disadvantages such as reduced intellectual performance, lower work capacity, and higher delivery complication risk, making early‑life interventions a long‑term human‑capital strategy. The study aims to prevent low birthweight and promote adequate growth and development during early childhood to produce healthier, more productive adults.

Abstract

The problem of malnutrition in poor societies is best viewed as a “syndrome of developmental impairment,” which includes growth failure; delayed motor, cognitive, and behavioural development; diminished immunocompetence; and increased morbidity and mortality. Growth retardation is often found in association with other problems, such as vitamin A deficiency and anaemia. These clusters of nutritional problems flourish during periods of vulnerability, namely in utero and during the first three years of life, and affect at least a third of all young children in developing countries. Survivors of malnutrition in early childhood suffer functional disadvantages as adults, including diminished intellectual performance, low work capacity, and increased risk of delivery complications. the prevention of low birthweight and the promotion of adequate growth and development during early childhood will result in healthier, more productive adults. Such investments, because they build human capital, are best viewed as long-term economic strategies.