Global Landscape of Nutrition Challenges in Infants and Children. Группа авторов

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Название Global Landscape of Nutrition Challenges in Infants and Children
Автор произведения Группа авторов
Жанр Спорт, фитнес
Серия Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop Series
Издательство Спорт, фитнес
Год выпуска 0
isbn 9783318066494



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data do exist, there is substantial evidence of a high burden of micronutrient malnutrition among children. A recent review identified 14 countries with vitamin A deficiency data in children collected after 2010 and an additional 13 countries with data from 2006 to 2010, 7 from 2001 to 2005, 16 before 2000, and 32 with no nationally representative data [19]. Of the 50 countries with data, only 7 reported mild deficiency and 2 no deficiency (Guatemala, Indonesia); all others had a prevalence considered to be a moderate or severe level of vitamin A deficiency among children. Unfortunately, discrepancies between reviews of survey data where data quality can be verified and global tracking mechanisms have not been resolved. For example, the most recent national survey in Kenya (cited by Wirth et al. [19]) reported a prevalence of 9.2% (mild deficiency), compared to 84.4% (severe deficiency) reported through global tracking data [10].

      Progress Toward Addressing Malnutrition: Some Examples from the Literature

      Understanding the Etiology of Malnutrition

      The determinants of undernutrition are well documented and have been recently updated to incorporate all forms of malnutrition [2]. Immediate causes include health-related behaviors (e.g., diet, activity, hygiene) and biological factors (e.g., disease state, genetics). Underlying these are several household- and community-level factors that facilitate or limit a household’s ability to provide health, care, and a quality diet, such as access to food and health care, social norms related to care and feeding, and the living environment (e.g., built spaces and water and sanitation services). These factors are in turn affected by income and inequality, trade, urbanization, existence of social protection and health systems, and agricultural development, among other factors. Finally, the extent to which such factors may favor nutrition depends on an enabling environment of political commitment, effective governance, and capacity. As illustrated above in the case of