Undernutrition: A Global Health Concern

Questions and Answers

What is the estimated number of people who are chronically undernourished worldwide?

1.5 billion

500 million

800 million (correct)

1 billion

Which of the following is NOT a major contributor to chronic undernutrition?

Overconsumption of calories (correct)

Civil unrest

Poverty

Lack of access to nutritious food

What is a consequence of consuming unclean water?

Obesity

Malnutrition

Heart disease

Diarrhea and serious infectious diseases (correct)

Which region is most affected by the AIDS epidemic, leading to poverty and chronic undernutrition?

Africa Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of deaths per year due to consuming unclean water?

485,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a condition that occurs when a person’s long-term energy and nutrient intakes are insufficient to meet his or her needs?

Chronic undernutrition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of chronic undernutrition?

Being underweight and often hungry Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world’s population is chronically undernourished?

11% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of vitamin A in the body?

To protect against infectious diseases and support immune system function Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of vitamin A deficiency in developing countries?

Blindness among young children Signup and view all the answers

Why are undernourished children more susceptible to measles?

Because they have weaker immune systems Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the US population was living at or below the poverty guideline in 2019?

10.5% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of US households experienced food insecurity in 2019?

10.5% Signup and view all the answers

Which group of Americans may experience food insecurity due to fixed incomes?

Older adults Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of food pantries and 'soup kitchens'?

To feed food-insecure individuals and families Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of deaths of children under 5 years of age is contributed by undernutrition?

45% Signup and view all the answers

What is a common health problem faced by low-birth-weight (LBW) newborns?

Serious health problems that increase their risk of dying during their first year of life Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Signup and view all the answers

What type of food does the Commodity Distribution Program provide to eligible individuals?

USDA surplus foods Signup and view all the answers

Why is breast milk considered the best food for infants?

It is sanitary and nutritionally adequate, and provides babies with immunity to some infectious diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the website that provides information on federal food assistance programs?

<a href="http://www.nutrition.gov">www.nutrition.gov</a> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended period of exclusive breastfeeding?

6 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of children under 5 years of age who die each year due to inadequate breastfeeding?

820,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of undernutrition on the physical growth of preschool children?

Delayed growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of undernutrition on the intellectual development of preschool children?

Impaired intellectual development Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of children under 5 years of age who were stunted in 2018?

149 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of maternal undernutrition on infant birth weight?

Low birth weight Signup and view all the answers

Why do poor parents in developing countries often dilute infant formula with water?

To decrease the cost of the formula Signup and view all the answers

Which program provides nutritious congregate and home-delivered meals to individuals aged 60 or older?

Nutrition Program Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the World Food Program (WFP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)?

To provide nutrient-dense food for undernourished populations Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the energy- and nutrient-dense paste made from a mixture of peanuts, powdered milk, oil, sugar, vitamins, and minerals?

Plumpy’Nut Signup and view all the answers

What is the main application of biotechnology in agriculture?

To develop crops with more beneficial characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the bioengineered form of Atlantic salmon approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

AquAdvantage Salmon Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law?

To require a national standard for identifying foods that are bioengineered Signup and view all the answers

Which program provides checks or vouchers to purchase nutritious foods for low-income pregnant or breastfeeding women, new mothers, and children under 5 years of age?

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations?

To distribute monthly food packages to low-income American Indian or non-Indian households on reservations Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of bioengineering crops?

To improve the nutritional quality of crops Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in relation to food?

To reduce hunger and malnutrition in developing countries Signup and view all the answers

What is the term commonly referred to a bioengineered food?

Bioengineered food (BE food) Signup and view all the answers

By what year must food manufacturers use an approved method to identify a BE food?

2022 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern related to conventional farming methods?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth’s land is used for food production?

40% Signup and view all the answers

What is a goal of sustainable agriculture?

To increase crop yields on existing farms Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of biotechnological advances in agriculture?

Improving crop yields and modifying nutritional content Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended method to reduce the number of undernourished people in the world?

Eat less meat Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge facing farmers and ranchers who want to switch to sustainable agricultural methods?

Reducing their profit margins Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of irrigation systems in conventional farming?

Removal of fresh water from rivers and other natural sources at a faster rate than it is restored Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the approved label icon for BE foods?

To identify a BE food or a food that contains BE ingredients Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of raising grass-fed beef?

Grains are spared for human consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is a way to reduce food waste?

Smaller portion sizes and better menu planning Signup and view all the answers

What is an efficient way to use natural resources and pesticides?

Using drip irrigation systems Signup and view all the answers

What can governments do to support programs that reduce hunger?

Support programs that encourage breastfeeding Signup and view all the answers

Why do impoverished parents in poor countries often have many children?

They expect only a few to survive to adulthood Signup and view all the answers

What is a long-term way to slow population growth?

Providing well-paying jobs Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of reducing food waste?

More food available for human consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using natural resources efficiently?

Preserving the Earth's resources for future generations Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the major factors that contribute to chronic undernutrition in certain regions of Africa, South America, and Asia?

Poverty, civil unrest, wars, and lack of access to nutritious food. Signup and view all the answers

How can contaminated drinking water affect the health of individuals in undernourished populations?

It can cause diarrhea and serious infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and polio. Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential long-term effects of undernutrition during infancy and childhood?

Stunted growth, impaired cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of sustainable agriculture?

To improve the environment by reducing the negative impacts of conventional farming methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is biotechnology in food production, and what is its main application?

Biotechnology is the use of biological systems to produce food. Its main application is to improve crop yields and disease resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the major federal food assistance programs in the United States, and who do they serve?

Programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program serve low-income individuals and families. Signup and view all the answers

How can undernutrition during pregnancy affect the health of the mother and her newborn offspring?

Undernutrition during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and increased risk of maternal and infant mortality. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern related to conventional farming methods, and how can sustainable agriculture address this concern?

The major concern is environmental degradation, and sustainable agriculture can address this by reducing pollution and conserving natural resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of vitamin A in the body?

Proper vision, growth, and immune system function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program?

To provide checks or vouchers to purchase nutritious foods for low-income pregnant or breastfeeding women, new mothers, and children under 5 years of age Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in relation to food?

To reduce hunger through food aid programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of vitamin A deficiency in developing countries?

As many as 500,000 cases of blindness among young children annually. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of bioengineering crops?

To grow more nutrient-rich crops and improve their flavor, resist pests, increase yields, and improve their immunity to plant diseases Signup and view all the answers

Why are undernourished children more susceptible to measles?

Their immune systems do not function normally. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of food pantries and 'soup kitchens'?

To feed food-insecure people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations?

To distribute monthly food packages to low-income American Indian or non-Indian households on reservations Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the energy- and nutrient-dense paste made from a mixture of peanuts, powdered milk, oil, sugar, vitamins, and minerals?

Plumpy'Nut Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of federal food assistance programs?

Protecting most American children from hunger and undernutrition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main application of biotechnology in agriculture?

To develop crops that have more beneficial characteristics than conventional crops Signup and view all the answers

What is the common challenge faced by older adult Americans living on fixed incomes?

Choosing between purchasing nutritious food and buying life-extending medications. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law?

To require a national standard for identifying foods that are bioengineered Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the bioengineered form of Atlantic salmon approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

AquAdvantage Salmon Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of American households that experienced food insecurity in 2019?

10.5% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Commodity Distribution Program?

Distributing USDA surplus foods to eligible people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Nutrition Program?

To provide grants for sites to provide nutritious congregate and home-delivered meals Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of undernutrition during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy, infancy, and childhood?

The long-term effects can be devastating, and it contributes to 45% of deaths of children under 5 years of age. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of bioengineered animals in agriculture?

To improve the nutritional quality and yield of food animals Signup and view all the answers

What is the website that provides information on federal food assistance programs?

<a href="http://www.nutrition.gov/subject/food-assistance-programs">www.nutrition.gov/subject/food-assistance-programs</a>. Signup and view all the answers

Why are undernourished mothers more likely to experience difficult labor and have low-birth-weight newborns?

Because maternal undernutrition can result in the birth of premature babies and low-birth-weight newborns who often suffer from serious health problems. Signup and view all the answers

Why is breast milk considered the best food for infants?

Because it is sanitary, nutritionally adequate, and provides babies with immunity to some infectious diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of adding excessive amounts of water to infant formula in developing countries?

It dilutes the nutritional value of the formula and increases the likelihood of contaminating it with disease-causing microbes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of undernutrition on the physical growth and development of preschool children?

It can lead to delayed physical growth and development, stunting, and wasting. Signup and view all the answers

Why are chronically undernourished preschool children more susceptible to impaired intellectual development?

Because nutrient deficiencies can impair their intellectual development and affect their cognitive abilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended period of exclusive breastfeeding?

At least 6 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of maternal undernutrition on the health of newborns?

It can result in the birth of low-birth-weight newborns who often suffer from serious health problems. Signup and view all the answers

Why is access to clean water important for reducing the risk of undernutrition?

Because lack of clean water contributes to the spread of potentially deadly infectious diseases, which can exacerbate undernutrition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of children who die each year due to inadequate breastfeeding?

At least 820,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between bioengineered foods (BE foods) and conventional foods?

BE foods contain genetic material that has been modified by certain scientific methods and are not found in nature or are not the result of conventional breeding techniques. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the approved label icon for BE foods?

To identify a BE food or a food that contains BE ingredients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the challenge facing farmers and ranchers who want to switch to sustainable agricultural methods?

Farming needs to be profitable for farmers and ranchers, so any switch from conventional to sustainable agricultural methods must not reduce their profit margins. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of irrigation systems in conventional farming?

Irrigation systems remove fresh water from rivers and other natural sources at a faster rate than it is restored, reducing water flow to many communities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a goal of sustainable agriculture?

To meet the demand for more food without depleting natural resources and harming the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of biotechnological advances in agriculture?

Increasing food production or modifying the nutritional content of foods to help reduce the number of undernourished people in the world. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's land is used for food production?

About 40% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the recommended methods to reduce the number of undernourished people in the world?

Rely more on nonchemical methods of pest management and eating less meat. Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using drip irrigation systems in agriculture?

Conserving water by reducing evaporation and delivering water directly to the plant's base. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern related to conventional farming methods?

They can harm the environment by releasing greenhouse gases, depleting water resources, and polluting waterways. Signup and view all the answers

By what year must food manufacturers use an approved method to identify a BE food?

2022 Signup and view all the answers

How can impoverished parents in underdeveloped nations reduce their population growth?

By being financially secure, adequately nourished, and well-educated, they tend to have fewer, healthier children. Signup and view all the answers

What is a way to reduce food waste, according to the provided text?

Having smaller portion sizes and better menu planning. Signup and view all the answers

Why is raising grass-fed beef beneficial for human food consumption?

It spares grains for human consumption, as grass is not eaten by people. Signup and view all the answers

What is a long-term solution to preserving the Earth's resources for future generations?

Population control. Signup and view all the answers

What can governments do to support nutrition in underdeveloped nations?

Support programs that encourage breastfeeding and fortify locally grown or commonly consumed foods with vitamins and minerals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of providing food aid to impoverished people in the short run?

It keeps them from starving to death. Signup and view all the answers

What is a way to improve food production and distribution in underdeveloped nations?

Families and small farmers need to learn new and more efficient methods of growing, processing, preserving, and distributing nutritious regionally produced foods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Undernutrition: A Worldwide Concern

800 million people (approximately 11% of the global population) are chronically undernourished
Undernutrition occurs when long-term energy and nutrient intakes are insufficient to meet an individual's needs
Factors contributing to undernutrition include:
- Poverty
- Civil unrest
- Wars
- Lack of access to nutritious food
- Unfavorable weather conditions
- Crop failures
- Lack of clean cooking and drinking water
An estimated 485,000 people die each year from diarrheal diseases due to consuming unclean water

Undernutrition During Periods of Growth

Undernutrition during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood can have devastating long-term effects
In 2018, an estimated 149 million children under 5 years old were stunted, and 49 million were severely underweight (wasted)
Undernutrition contributes to 45% of deaths of children under 5 years old
Maternal undernutrition can result in:
- Difficult labor
- Excessive bleeding after delivery
- Premature births
- Low-birth-weight newborns
- Increased risk of mortality in newborns

Undernutrition in the United States

Undernutrition also occurs in developed countries like the United States
People with low incomes have a higher risk of malnutrition
Food insecurity affects 10.5% of households in the United States
Federal food assistance programs, such as SNAP, WIC, and Child Nutrition Programs, can help protect American children from hunger and undernutrition

Federal Food Assistance Programs in the United States

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): provides electronic benefits for food purchases to low-income individuals and families
Commodity Distribution Program: distributes surplus foods to certain low-income groups, including pregnant women, preschool-age children, and the elderly
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: provides checks or vouchers for nutritious foods, nutrition education, and support for breastfeeding mothers
Child Nutrition Programs: provides subsidies for schools and child-care facilities to provide free or reduced-price meals and snacks

Biotechnology in Food Production

Biotechnology involves the use of living things to manufacture new products
Bioengineered crops have beneficial characteristics, such as disease resistance, improved flavor, and enhanced nutrition
Bioengineered animals, like AquAdvantage Salmon, can grow faster and more efficiently
The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law requires a national standard for identifying bioengineered foods

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture involves farming methods that meet food demands without depleting natural resources or harming the environment
Conventional farming methods contribute to:
- Water pollution
- Soil erosion
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Deforestation
Solutions include:
- Improving crop yields on existing farms
- Using nonchemical pest management methods
- Eating less meat
- Reducing food waste
- Using natural resources and pesticides more efficiently

Undernutrition: A Worldwide Concern

800 million people (approximately 11% of the global population) are chronically undernourished
Undernutrition occurs when long-term energy and nutrient intakes are insufficient to meet an individual's needs
Factors contributing to undernutrition include:
- Poverty
- Civil unrest
- Wars
- Lack of access to nutritious food
- Unfavorable weather conditions
- Crop failures
- Lack of clean cooking and drinking water
An estimated 485,000 people die each year from diarrheal diseases due to consuming unclean water

Undernutrition During Periods of Growth

Undernutrition during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood can have devastating long-term effects
In 2018, an estimated 149 million children under 5 years old were stunted, and 49 million were severely underweight (wasted)
Undernutrition contributes to 45% of deaths of children under 5 years old
Maternal undernutrition can result in:
- Difficult labor
- Excessive bleeding after delivery
- Premature births
- Low-birth-weight newborns
- Increased risk of mortality in newborns

Undernutrition in the United States

Undernutrition also occurs in developed countries like the United States
People with low incomes have a higher risk of malnutrition
Food insecurity affects 10.5% of households in the United States
Federal food assistance programs, such as SNAP, WIC, and Child Nutrition Programs, can help protect American children from hunger and undernutrition

Federal Food Assistance Programs in the United States

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): provides electronic benefits for food purchases to low-income individuals and families
Commodity Distribution Program: distributes surplus foods to certain low-income groups, including pregnant women, preschool-age children, and the elderly
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: provides checks or vouchers for nutritious foods, nutrition education, and support for breastfeeding mothers
Child Nutrition Programs: provides subsidies for schools and child-care facilities to provide free or reduced-price meals and snacks

Biotechnology in Food Production

Biotechnology involves the use of living things to manufacture new products
Bioengineered crops have beneficial characteristics, such as disease resistance, improved flavor, and enhanced nutrition
Bioengineered animals, like AquAdvantage Salmon, can grow faster and more efficiently
The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law requires a national standard for identifying bioengineered foods

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture involves farming methods that meet food demands without depleting natural resources or harming the environment
Conventional farming methods contribute to:
- Water pollution
- Soil erosion
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Deforestation
Solutions include:
- Improving crop yields on existing farms
- Using nonchemical pest management methods
- Eating less meat
- Reducing food waste
- Using natural resources and pesticides more efficiently

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Description

This quiz explores the issue of undernutrition, its causes, and effects on individuals and the global population. Factors contributing to undernutrition, its prevalence, and consequences are discussed.