29.11.11

Early Prevention of Malnutrition

Today has been a lot of problems of nutritional deficiency can be overcome. Nevertheless there are still some countries which still is a problem and require greater attention, namely the problem of micro nutrient deficiency, such as iodine, iron and vitamin A.

Malnutrition at an early age have an adverse impact on adulthood that is manifested in physical form are smaller with lower productivity levels. The impact of malnutrition at an early age becomes increasingly important when consider analysis of existing data. The results strengthen the hypothesis that analysis of the prevalence of malnutrition at an early age to the onset of degenerative diseases in adulthood that is precisely the productive age.

Malnutrition in childhood is always associated with a deficiency of specific vitamins and minerals, which are associated with certain micro nutrients. In recent years increasing attention to the consequences of micro nutrient deficiencies, starting from the increased risk of infectious disease and death that can inhibit growth and mental development.

The consequences of micro nutrient deficiencies during childhood are very dangerous. Iron deficiency can impair mental and motor development of children and also cause anemia. Zinc deficiency can also impair growth and increase the risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections. Given the high prevalence of deficiencies of certain nutrients as well as negative effects, the supplementation of nutrients such as iron and zinc in children will be very useful, especially because it is practically difficult to raise adequate nutrients from the diet of babies around for this. Some of the foods given to infants and children tend to inhibit iron absorption such as phytic acid and zinc contained in grains and dairy cows that can reduce the absorption of iron and zinc.

Specific micro nutrient supplementation always have obstacles and barriers. Nutritional needs of children aged 6-24 months increased with the rapid growth of the child. While breast's milk and eating a poor child can not meet those needs. It would require an alternative to meet the shortfall, that is by way of supplementation of certain substances that can help growing children.

In several countries have done some research on Zn and Fe supplementation. Several studies showed that zinc supplementation can reduce infectious diseases (diarrhea and cough) and increase the growth of children.

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