Malnutrition during pregnancy
Malnutrition during pregnancy and infancy can be responsible for more than a third of child deaths and may be at the root of disease on a global basis. More than 1/4 of lives could be saved by enforcing the importance of vitamin supplements (especially folic acid) and breastfeeding initiation programs. The most important interval for the effect of good nutrition is between pregnancy and the age of two years.
According to the Lancet editor, Dr.Richard Horton “Undernutrition is the largely preventable cause of over a third – 3.5 million – of all child deaths. Stunting, severe wasting and intrauterine growth restriction are among the most important problems. There is a golden interval for intervention: from pregnancy to 2 years of age. After age 2 years, undernutrition will have caused rreversible
damage for future development towards adulthood.”
Public release date: 16-Jan-2008
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-01/l-nhs011108.php
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
pregnancy responds:
Posted: February 7th, 2008 at 5:24 am →
Its very good to know that during pregnancy malnutrition and infancy can be responsible for more than a third of child deaths and may be at the root of disease on a global basis. One must know about the defects of malnutrition. Undernutition can be the preventable cause. I suggest every pregnant mum should consult a physician for more information.