DCP Chapter 3: Global Nutrition Outcomes at Ages 5 to 19

Details of what is known about dietary intake and the consequences of malnutrition for children ages 5 to 19 are discussed in this chapter, as well as what actions are needed globally to address their nutritional needs. Statistics show the extent of anemia and underweight in children ages 48–59 months and in adolescents ages 15–19 years. Malnutrition inflicts considerable damage on children in their first 1,000 days and increases the risk of short stature, ill health, cognitive impairment, and reduced productivity and income throughout life. For children ages five to nine years, malnutrition caused by inadequate food intake and helminth infections increases the risk of underweight, anemia, and illness; these conditions decrease attendance, performance, and years in primary school. Adolescent girls who experienced malnutrition in earlier years incur risk of poor birth outcomes (prematurity, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths) and of dying.

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