Explain how malnutrition is intergenerational.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of how malnutrition can be intergenerational, meaning how malnutrition impacts not just individuals but also their offspring and future generations. This involves exploring the mechanisms through which nutritional deficits in one generation can affect the health and wellbeing of subsequent generations, such as through genetic factors, socioeconomic conditions, and maternal health.
Answer
Malnutrition is intergenerational due to nutrient deficiencies passing from undernourished mothers to their children.
Malnutrition is intergenerational because deficiencies in nutrients like iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A in young girls can lead to an intergenerational cycle. Undernourished girls become undernourished mothers who then give birth to undernourished children, perpetuating the cycle across generations.
Answer for screen readers
Malnutrition is intergenerational because deficiencies in nutrients like iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A in young girls can lead to an intergenerational cycle. Undernourished girls become undernourished mothers who then give birth to undernourished children, perpetuating the cycle across generations.
More Information
The cycle often begins with malnourished young girls who later become mothers. This can result in low birth weight babies, who grow up with their own nutritional deficiencies, continuing the cycle.
Sources
- Intergenerational cycle of malnutrition - newsecuritybeat.org
- 6.6.5 Intergenerational cycle of malnutrition - The Open University - open.edu
- Malnutrition in children - World Health Organization (WHO) - who.int
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