Definition of the nutrition problem--poverty and malnutrition in mother and child.

Abstract

Adequate food is essential for every being, but man, up to this time, has not been able to satisfy this need equally well for all of the world’s population. Malnutrition and hunger are still his inseparable companions, as they have been since the beginning of history (1). During the last decades, man’s knowledge has developed tremendously, and, for the most part, he has applied it for his benefit. No one can deny that he has accumulated sufficient information to provide enough food for humanity. In spite of this, many millions of children and adults continue to suffer from undernourishment and hunger. In fact, the gap seems to be widening between those who are able to produce abundant food and those who cannot.