Abstract
Undernutrition modeling makes it possible to evaluate the potential impact of such events as a food-price shock or harvest failure on the prevalence and severity of undernutrition. There are, however, uncertainties in such modeling. In this paper we discuss four methodological issues pertinent to impact estimation: (1) the conventional emphasis on energy intake rather than dietary quality; (2) the importance of the distribution of nutrient intakes; (3) the timing of both the ‘food shock’ and when the response is assessed; and (4) catch-up growth and risk accumulation.
Highlights
Undernutrition is estimated to account for 45% of all deaths in children under 5, and its reduction is a central component of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) [1,2]
In the first diagram (Figure 2A), we show a dynamic conception of undernutrition that incorporates movement into and out of multiple categories of undernutrition
Conclusion and future directions Our accumulating knowledge of the complex processes that lead to undernutrition suggests that overly simplistic models may yield inaccurate results when simulating the effects of food-related shocks, such as large changes in food price, on undernutrition
Summary
Undernutrition is estimated to account for 45% of all deaths in children under 5, and its reduction is a central component of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) [1,2]. The child reaches normal height (Z ≥ −1) at four years of age and eventually experiences a period without increased risk of death until early adulthood when the risk again begins to gradually rise, representing the possibility of increased susceptibility to chronic disease The disadvantages of this last model are the relatively intensive data requirements and that algorithms for estimating risk decline and accumulation may become complicated if a child experiences multiple phases of growth faltering and catch-up; growth velocities are variable even in children with adequate nutrition. It provides a more realistic formulation of what are likely dynamic features of growth patterns and risk
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
