ABSTRACT
The term malnutrition is, and has been, utilized to describe the prevalence of a number of indicators that, either directly or indirectly, are associated with physiological reality. Malnutrition has clearly defined anthropometric, clinical and biochemical signs and symptoms, and can be treated by an increase or decrease in the nutrient and energy supply. A block at any stage in the flow of nutrients and energy, from production to the final metabolic fate, or a change in the demand, increase or decrease, can disturb the balance. Food has to be produced, marketed and transported. Food has to be purchased, processed and distributed at the household level. Food has to be eaten, digested and the energy and nutrients absorbed and metabolized. Models of causality have been developed based on discrete studies and observations, and they actually reflect all possible interaction of factors. Anthropometric data is available now from more than 120 countries.
