Malnutrition - TOPIC INCOMPLETE
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Introduction
Nigerian girl with Kwashiorkor, 1960s
courtesy of CDC, PHIL 6901
Malnutrition is a huge global problem, not only in the developing world but also in resource-rich countries. More than a billion people now undernourished (Dawe and Dreschler, 2010).
However, this need not be the case. A 2012 report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers suggests that 30-50% of all food produced is never eaten (IME, 2013).
Impacts of Malnutrution
Malnutrition has profound impacts on the body. Acute dangers include:
- imapired immune function and increased risk of infection
- weakness
- impaired wound healing
- increased risk of death
Causes
Physiology
Adaptation to starvation. Infants are more efficient at energy consumption; 30% less.
Penguins, when young, often decline in weight from 11 down to 4 kg; they can be successfully refed.
"A hungry world is a dangerous world."
Josette Sheeran, World Food Program.
Kwashiokor
Marasmus
Initial Refeeding
Ongoing Refeeding
Feeding Programs
Resources and References
Dawe and Dreschler, 2010
Institution of Mechanical Engineers. 2013. Global Food: Waste Not, Want Not.
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