The state of nutrition in a country is related to its level of development. The 1992 International Conference on Nutrition in Rome summarized the relationship between nutrition and human resource development by declaring that nutritional well-being for all people is a precondition for the development of societies. It is also an important objective of progress in human development.
Dietary diversification
A diverse diet is essential for growing children, but it can be difficult for families to choose the best food for their children. There is a need to change the way households eat in order to make sure children are getting a good balance of nutrients and energy. One way to do this is by improving access to nutrient-dense food. However, this process requires systemic changes.
The health and development of adolescent girls is highly dependent on the conditions that she experiences during her maturation. During this time, her nutritional needs rise significantly and are therefore critical for her growth and development. Yet, nutritional gaps still persist in many low and middle-income countries. One study looked at the diet of 390 girls aged 15 to 18 years old in rural Pakistan.
Dietary diversity in children is defined as the percentage of children who consumed at least four food groups during the previous 24 hours. This data, when combined with data on meal frequency, can be used to calculate the minimum acceptable diet for a child. However, repeated 24-hour dietary recall assessments are difficult to perform, and the results are not reliable. The dietary recall method must be performed by trained specialists who know how to assess portion sizes and types of foods.
Dietary diversity is important for healthy growth and development. The more diverse the diet, the more nutrients an infant will be able to absorb. The lack of diversity can negatively impact a child’s growth and development. A diverse diet can also be achieved by taking nutritional supplements, see the benefits now on Nutrition Advisor’s website.
Food fortification
Food fortification and the role of nutrition are important, but national policies often fail to address them. A lack of centralized food processing units and high costs make it difficult to reach poor populations that need fortified foods. Additionally, rising food prices erode food security and the livelihood of the poor. Purchasing more nutritious food items can increase daily expenditures by as much as 69%. Food fortification should be a priority in national policies and programs.
The role of nutrition in growth and development cannot be ignored, as inadequate levels of vitamins and minerals can have devastating consequences. A diet that includes adequate amounts of all the essential nutrients promotes healthy development and increases adult productivity. Additionally, adequate intake of these nutrients improves agricultural labor productivity, which in turn increases food supply and fights hunger. Food fortification is one of the most effective nutrition interventions. Fortified foods can improve a range of health outcomes, including improving birth defects.
However, for food fortification to be effective, it must be based on a clear strategy and aim. The first step in food fortification is to identify the nutrient gaps that are present in the population. Once this has been determined, the next step is to determine which fortificant best suits the targeted population and the desired effects. Lastly, food fortification programs should include strict monitoring of micronutrient levels in the targeted population to ensure the quality of the products.
Food fortification is one of the most effective and cost-effective means of reaching large populations with essential micronutrients. Fortification is one part of a comprehensive nutrition program that includes improved agricultural practices, food processing and storage, and consumer education for proper food preparation. In addition, food fortification is an important step toward reducing malnutrition and improving the health of people around the world.
Protein-energy malnutrition
The most effective prevention for protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) during early childhood is breastfeeding. But if breastfeeding is not possible, parents should discuss the options with their pediatricians. They should also be evaluated regularly for illnesses that can cause PEM. In addition, children should be screened for nutritional deficiencies when in the hospital. If their stay is prolonged, they should be re-examined to ensure proper nutrition.
Protein-energy malnutrition is caused by inadequate intake of protein and other nutrients. Symptoms include skin ulceration, stunted growth, and edema. It can also lead to vitamin or essential fatty acid deficiencies. Protein-energy malnutrition affects nearly every organ system in the body.
Two forms of severe protein-energy undernutrition are kwashiorkor and marasmus. Patients with marasmus and kwashiorkor are especially deficient in protein and certain micronutrients. Patients with kwashiorkor show fluid retention in their tissues and may be emaciated. They may also have distended abdomens and swollen hands and feet.
Protein-energy malnutrition is a major cause of infant and young child mortality in developing countries. The prevalence of this condition is staggering: one in five children will die before the age of five. In developing countries, children under five years old account for two-thirds to four-fifths of all deaths.
The first step to correcting protein-energy malnutrition is to identify the underlying cause. If the cause is not immediately apparent, laboratory tests will need to be done. Serum albumin, C-reactive protein, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels will help doctors diagnose the condition. In some cases, thyroid function tests are also needed.
Severe malnutrition can affect growth and cause infants to be more susceptible to infections. Children with malnutrition have higher rates of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Their mortality rate during the first four years of life is as high as 20 to 50 times higher than in children in high-income countries. A lack of protein and energy in the diet also inhibits the switch of T cells from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism, which inhibits T cell proliferation.
Interaction between gut microbiome and immune system
The gut microbiome plays an important role in the immune response to respiratory pathogens. It controls the secretion of antibodies and peptides that aid in the detection and elimination of pathogens. During early life, colonization by gut microbes can affect the development of T cells, a key player in the immune system.
Several studies have investigated the role of the gut microbiome in the immune response. In mice, for example, it was found to regulate the immune response to infection. It is also possible to influence the immune response to infection using probiotics. Probiotics are found to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase the production of anti-inflammatory chemokines. Furthermore, probiotic-treated mice showed lower levels of TNF-a and INF-g in spleenocytes.
There are many ways in which the gut microbiome affects the immune system. The gut microbiota affects both the innate and adaptive immune systems. In addition to protecting the body from harmful microbes, the gut microbiota modulates the brain’s microglia and the astrocytes that regulate brain function and neurodevelopmental disorders.
It is known that the gut microbiome is highly variable until the age of three, after which it reaches an adult-like composition. In children, the immune system is immature, and an immature gut microbiome has been associated with a poor immune response and increased susceptibility to infections. Moreover, the gut microbiome is structurally altered, which can lead to diseases later in life.
The human microbiome consists of a diverse community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms. It lives on all the surfaces of the body, including the skin, nose, lungs, and stomach. In addition, the microbiome influences the development, maturation, and function of various immune cells, including T-lymphocytes and neutrophil macrophages.
Economic costs of malnutrition
The economic costs of malnutrition are vast and must be addressed urgently. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, global malnutrition costs the world economy up to US$3.5 trillion a year or US$500 per person. Malnutrition also robs countries of the human capital necessary for economic growth and development.
In 2012, child undernutrition cost Malawi over US$600 million, which is about 10 percent of the country’s GDP. In India, the costs of malnutrition are estimated at US$50 billion a year. At a global scale, one disability-adjusted life year (DALY) costs about US$1000. The costs of malnutrition manifest in lost growth potential, reduced labor market participation, and increased medical costs.
The economic costs of malnutrition and stunting affect children’s cognitive development, which ultimately leads to lower school attendance and earnings in adulthood. According to the World Bank, the economic costs of undernutrition and overweight are equivalent to approximately 10% of GDP. Obesity causes 2.6 million deaths every year. Consequently, an effort to prevent and treat obesity will save millions of dollars.
The World Bank estimates that child malnutrition costs developing countries upwards of $4.7 billion a year. It also increases the risk of HIV infection and malaria. It also reduces physical capacity in adults. Malnutrition has been linked to poor health and economic growth in developing countries.
Moreover, a child with impaired physical growth will experience a lower quality of life and will be more likely to experience chronic illness and poor school performance.