Is Malnutrition Still a Serious Problem in India? A Comprehensive Review
Journal Title: Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 11
Abstract
Malnutrition is a leading cause of health-related distress in developing countries and is caused mainly due to protein–energy imbalance and deficiency of micronutrients. It can be a crucial risk factor of physical ailment and death around the globe. Every year thousands of people, including young children and pregnant females get affected .Protein-energy imbalance causes two of the most common types of malnutrition, namely, marasmus (simple starvation) and kwashiorkor (protein deficient diet). Characteristic manifestations of malnutrition in developing countries are seen due to deficiencies in micronutrients like iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin A. If poor diet along with infectious disease is highly prevalent at a regular interval, it results into a vicious impact. Although better diagnosis and treatment for malnutrition have been developed recently, patients belonging to rural areas have lesser access to such options due to minimal health service schemes. Strategies for preventing protein–energy imbalance range from promotion of breast-feeding to the use of food supplementations. Besides, micronutrient deficiencies can be addressed by planning strategies for a proper diet-plan. For example diversification of dietary materials using domestic gardens and livestock. Use of iodized salt is a great success globally, but supplementation of other nutrients is yet to cover vulnerable communities properly. For implementation of these strategies effectively, nutrition related educational campaigns and proper healthcare initiatives must be taken into stride. To eradicate malnutrition related problems, we must address poverty, which is clearly associated with the scarce supply of food and nutrition, educate people regarding the importance of nutrients in food, organize fundraisers and other programs to address the situation at hand, give extra attention to the extremely poverty stricken regions within a country and prioritize malnutrition related diseases as much as infectious diseases so that they can be eradicated once and for all.
Authors and Affiliations
Kishore Kumar Soni
Keywords
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