Judith E. Brown Prof. Albia Dugger Miami-Dade College Aspects of Global Nutrition Unit 33

State of the World’s Health Countries can be classified as “industrialized nations,” “developing nations,” and “least- developed nations” People in developing and least-developed countries are more likely to have shorter life expectancies, to die from infectious diseases, and to experience malnutrition

Country Classifications

Life Expectancies

State of the World’s Health cont. General health is monitored by tracking key environmental, health, and behavioral characteristics Examples related to malnutrition: Low birthweight and underweight Rates of breast-feeding Access to safe water supply

Health Indicators

Malnutrition Problems

Food and Nutrition In developing regions: 10-51% of children under 5 are malnourished 21% of children are vitamin A deficient Worldwide: 50-75% of women are iron deficient 2 billion children are iron deficient

Marasmus Severe form of protein- energy malnutrition Body uses its own muscle and other tissues as an energy source

Kwashiorkor Severe form of protein- energy malnutrition in young children Characterized by swelling, fatty liver, susceptibility to infection, profound apathy, poor appetite

Survivors of Malnutrition Malnutrition before the brain is completely grown has lasting effects on development Malnutrition weakens the immune system and increases risk of infection Most deaths in children under age 5 in developing countries are related to both malnutrition and infection

Why Do Starvation and Malnutrition Happen? People become malnourished or starve primarily due to poverty Women and female children are at particular risk in societies where food is allocated to men and boys first

Causes of Malnutrition Most causes of starvation and malnutrition in developing countries are man-made

Discrimination Against Females 2-year old twins: Girl, left Boy, right Discrimination places women at high risk for malnutrition and low quality of life

Ending Malnutrition Solutions require working together for: Education and economic development Peace Population growth control Improved sanitation Social equality for women and children Sound agricultural policies and practices

Success Stories Specific nutrient deficiencies reduced by: Vitamin A supplements in Indonesia Food supplements in Russia, Brazil, South Africa, and China Iodized salt in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Thailand Iron-fortified flour in the Philippines

Success Stories Increase in breast-feeding has reduced infant deaths from malnutrition and infections

Safe Water Supplies

The “Nutrition Transition” As countries develop economically: Food supplies increase Undernutrition decreases Obesity and chronic health problems (heart disease, diabetes, hypertension) increase Children born to undernourished women may be genetically programmed to gain fat on a Western diet

The Future People who are well nourished are more productive, happier, require less medical care, and are more likely to be self-sufficient Consider volunteering in one of the many public-service programs that address food insecurity, hunger, or malnutrition