User talk:Danilago

                                                                           Malnutrition in children

Where chronic malnutrition is highest

Countries where stunting in »Child Malnutrition under-fives is 40 per cent or more

Korea, Dem. People’s Rep. 60 Zambia 59 Burundi 57 Nepal 54 Afghanistan 52 Yemen 52 Ethiopia 51 Madagascar 49 Malawi 49 Cambodia 46 Guatemala 46 India 46 Nigeria 46 Bangladesh 45 Congo, Dem. Rep. 45 Lesotho 44 Mauritania 44 Tanzania 44 Rwanda 43 Comoros 42 Lao PDR 41 Bhutan 40 Niger 40 Source for all charts, graphs and tables: UNICEF, 2001

Malnutrition is associated with about half of all child deaths worldwide. Malnourished children have lowered resistance to infection; they are more likely to die from common childhood ailments like diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections; and for those who survive, frequent illness saps their nutritional status, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness, faltering growth and diminished learning ability.

The recommended daily amount (RDA) of a nutrient is determined by how much the body needs to stay healthy. Nutrients can be obtained in a variety of ways—from eating a varied diet to taking vitamin supplements.

A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body doesn’t absorb the necessary amount of a nutrient. Deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems, such as problems of digestion, skin problems, stunted or defective bone growth, and even dementia.