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Malnutrition and obesity

The public health challenge of early growth failure in India

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 67, pages 496–500 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

Recent recognition of the early onset and high prevalence of wasting (30%) and stunting (20%) among infants 0–5 months in India draws attention to the need to understand the causes and develop prevention strategies. Such growth failure has dire consequences in the short (increased mortality) and long-term (loss of human capital and increased risk of chronic diseases). Food interventions before 6 months will increase morbidity/mortality through contamination in settings of poor sanitation and hygiene. Waiting to improve nutrition only after the initiation of complementary feeding at 6 months is a missed opportunity and may permanently alter life trajectory and potential. This underscores the importance of maternal nutrition. Iron and folic acid and protein energy supplementation during pregnancy are interventions that can improve maternal nutrition and birth outcomes. Maternal supplementation during lactation should be considered as a means to improve maternal and child outcomes, although the evidence needs strengthening. Support and counseling are also required to improve maternal diets and promote exclusive breastfeeding. Programs focused on improving maternal nutrition across the continuum of preconception, pregnancy and lactation are likely to have the greatest impact as mothers are central gatekeepers to the health and future of their children.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    M F Young & R Martorell

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  1. M F Young
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  2. R Martorell
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Correspondence to R Martorell.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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This publication is based on research funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The findings and conclusions contained within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions or policies of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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Young, M., Martorell, R. The public health challenge of early growth failure in India. Eur J Clin Nutr 67, 496–500 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2013.18

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