ABSTRACT
Chronic malnutrition refers to a process of suboptimal nutrition, which is the result of nutrient needs not being met and/or suffering from disease or infection, which continues over a prolonged period of time. A child whose nutrient intake does not meet his or her needs over a prolonged period of time will become stunted and also suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. This underlies the relationship between stunting and the increased risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as suboptimal brain development. Direct causes of undernutrition can include an inadequate intake of required nutrients, illness, and infection. Nutrient requirements are diverse and high during the first 1,000 days, relative to energy requirements, and are therefore challenging to meet. Morbidity leads to weight loss, reduced appetite and, hence, reduced food consumption, lower absorption, and increased utilization and also loss of nutrients. Stunting is a population-level indicator of vulnerability and suboptimal development.
