Malnutrition and poverty are linked, with the highest rates of malnutrition in countries with the lowest economic indicators. Malnutrition affects a child’s intelligence and ability to learn, reducing their ability to obtain well-paying jobs as adults. Addressing malnutrition can promote economic growth and reduce poverty rates. Dietary supplements and fortified foods are a cost-effective way to address malnutrition and poverty in developing countries.
The connection between malnutrition and poverty describes a proven link, especially at the lowest income levels. Countries with the lowest economic indicators report the highest rates of malnutrition, especially in children. Children typically represent a country’s economic future, prompting efforts to address malnutrition as a way to promote economic growth and reduce poverty rates.
Studies show the direct and indirect consequences of malnutrition and poverty. A direct result of better health enables people to do physical work and earn more money. These workers could become more productive when their nutritional needs are met, leading to higher wages and the ability to afford health care.
Malnutrition in childhood has lifelong consequences because it affects a child’s intelligence and ability to learn. Those suffering from malnutrition and poverty typically drop out of school early, reducing their ability to obtain well-paying jobs as adults. The health problems associated with these conditions also include time lost from work or school, which could further complicate the cycle.
Research shows that poverty reduction alone does not always lead to a healthy population, but that addressing malnutrition has an impact on poverty levels. In some developing countries, malnutrition is a significant problem hampering economic development. It accounts for more than half of child deaths in some regions, reducing the number of future healthy individuals to drive economic growth.
Malnutrition and poverty pass from generation to generation in some undeveloped and underdeveloped countries. Mothers who do not have access to adequate nutrients produce malnourished offspring. These children face greater challenges in their ability to learn and thrive, and become more susceptible to illness and disease. Their impaired ability to perform physically and mentally typically continues the cycle of poverty.
Scientists have found that measuring levels of malnutrition has a fairer link to poverty than studying poverty alone. The degree of malnutrition applies to all countries, ethnicities and cultures and can be measured scientifically. These researchers found that the use of poverty as an indicator of malnutrition contains too many variables, making the results unreliable.
Some countries address lack of nutrients in the diet through dietary supplements and fortified foods. Providing folic acid to pregnant women reduces the risk of birth defects in their offspring. Iron targets lower energy levels caused by anemia, which could result in lower productivity. This strategy is seen as a cost-effective way to address malnutrition and poverty in these regions.
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