What Is Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a serious and severe medical condition that is caused by lack of nutrients that are necessary for a normal, balanced diet. Malnutrition has been cited by the World Health Organization as the single, most dangerous threat to the public health of the planet. Malnutrition is most common in children, especially children from poor, third world countries. One in 12 people on this planet is highly malnourished. For example, in 2006, 40 million people died worldwide because of malnutrition. When it comes to child mortality, malnutrition is the biggest contributor to it.

Malnutrition is so dangerous because it raises the risk for infections. Malnutrition is usually spread in poor communities that also lack the proper access to clean, safe water. This issue increases the chances for infectious diseases. Children that are malnourished aren’t able to perform physically and intellectually like normal children. Even grownup adults that suffer from malnourishment can’t earn an income by performing physical activities or they can’t gain an education.

The major cause of malnutrition around the world is lack of food. Poverty in several countries has led to high malnourishment rates. The huge paradox that surrounds the issue of malnutrition is that international organizations have established that the highest percent of malnourished children can be found in countries that produce food surpluses. So, the problem isn’t necessarily lack of food, but unfair and inequitable distribution. Famine and child malnutrition are global problems that are linked to unfair food distribution and the monetary purchasing power. Poor people who can’t work because they are sick can’t afford to buy the food they need to get better.

Malnutrition can be treated with food that is rich in micronutrients like minerals and vitamins. These nutrients can be obtained from fortifying foods like peanut butter. Peanut butter has been for years the number one product used in treating malnutrition because it is highly rich in proteins and vitamins, it can be stored for years and it is directly absorbed by a child’s organism.