Articles tagged with Malnutrition
Providing energy-dense food supplements to malnourished children has limited effect on reducing wasting, but increases height and hemoglobin levels. A cluster-randomized controlled trial found that adding Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food to a general food distribution had little impact on acute undernutrition.
Raj Patel argues that understanding hunger and malnutrition requires examining systems and institutions holding power over food. Food sovereignty is advocated as a means to achieve food security and eradicate undernourishment, prioritizing women's rights and community control.
A team of scientists led by Washington University's Jeffrey I. Gordon will investigate the complex relationship between diet, gut microbes and immune system in severely malnourished children. The research aims to discover novel dietary and microbial therapeutics to target infants and children living in countries with rampant malnutrition.
A new systematic assessment helps diagnose malnutrition in patients with chronic diseases and acute injuries, considering inflammation status. The approach aims to guide practitioners in selecting nutrition interventions and predicting outcomes.
Research found that stroke patients experienced persistent eating difficulties and remained at nutritional risk three months after their stroke. Despite improvements in physical functions, most patients' eating abilities remained unchanged or deteriorated.
A team of Michigan State University scientists has discovered that certain body parts are more sensitive to environmental changes than others. The research, led by Alexander Shingleton, uses fruit flies to study the genetics of body growth and development.
A team of Johns Hopkins University students has engineered yeast cells to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, using synthetic biology. Their project, VitaYeast, aims to provide a simple and affordable way to combat severe malnutrition in impoverished areas.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that improving living conditions, sanitation, and community organization can significantly reduce child malnutrition rates. In rural Guatemala, families who received non-agricultural land and housing experienced a decline in malnutrition rates, while those who remained in squatt...
A recent study revealed that more than one in three hospital patients are malnourished, with rates as high as 70% in residential aged care. Malnutrition increases hospital length of stay and health care costs. Experts call for better education and screening to address this issue.
A study of CAM treatment in children found that adverse events were common and often related to CAM use; 64% of cases were rated as severe or life-threatening. The authors suggest empowering families with discussions about medication changes, but note that many parents continue to use CAM despite medical advice
Patients admitted with malnutrition or bedridden have a prolonged hospital stay risk, according to a study. Those with lower BMI, nutritional risk and severe diseases face longer stays, with a 65% greater risk compared to non-malnourished patients.
Researchers found that albumin and serum protein parameters are less sensitive than anthropometric measurements for evaluating nutritional status in gastric cancer patients. However, a good correlation was observed between scoring nutritional assessment tools and other general nutritional measurement tools six months after surgery.
A 50-year study on Isle Royale has discovered a significant link between osteoarthritis in moose and early malnutrition, which also affects humans. The research found that moose experiencing malnutrition as young adults are more likely to develop arthritis later in life.
A study of over 15,000 Chinese elderly people found that childhood hunger increased the risk of cognitive impairment by 29-35%. The research suggests that fighting hunger in children can enhance cognitive well-being in late life and has long-term benefits for society.
New definitions of malnutrition published, identifying starvation-related and disease-related malnutrition as independent risk factors for hospital mortality. The study highlights the importance of nutrition assessment in clinical practice.
A study by LSU researchers found that socioeconomic and physical disadvantages, as well as social isolation, are associated with higher rates of older adult malnutrition death rates across the US. The research highlights the importance of addressing poverty, disability, and limited access to resources in reducing malnutrition-related d...
A new approach to diagnosing adult malnutrition, proposed by an international committee of nutrition researchers, could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. The strategy classifies patients into three categories: starvation related, chronic disease related, or acute disease/injury related.
A randomized controlled trial found that adding probiotics to conventional high-energy ready-to-use therapeutic foods did not improve nutritional cure rates or reduce mortality in severely malnourished African children. However, the study suggests a possible observation of reduced outpatient mortality in HIV-positive children.
The review highlights the alarming burden of disease on Indigenous infants and children, with vaccine-preventable diseases still prevalent in many groups. Chronic diseases related to lifestyle factors have also surged, with diabetes rates 18 times higher among Aboriginal children than non-Indigenous counterparts.
A study of older people living at home found that up to 1 in 6 were under-nourished and at risk of malnutrition, with women facing a higher risk than men. Depression was also identified as a significant factor increasing the risk of malnutrition, particularly among men.
According to the study, approximately half of patients with early-stage laryngeal cancer who undergo radiotherapy develop malnutrition, defined as weight loss of at least 5%. Patients with neck lymph node irradiation are more than four times as likely to become malnourished.
A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that the WHO Child Growth Standards are more accurate than the US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) charts in predicting mortality risk for malnourished children. The researchers analyzed data from over 60,000 children in Niger and found that the WHO standards were the most acc...
Experts call for more focused efforts on delivering better quality food aid to prevent and treat malnutrition in high-burden areas. A broader strategy involving local agricultural development and empowering women is needed to address global food insecurity.
A large-scale study found that domestic violence is associated with chronic malnutrition among mothers and children in India. Women who experienced multiple incidents of domestic violence were more likely to be anemic and underweight, highlighting the need for addressing domestic violence as a key factor in combating malnutrition.
Epicentre research has helped improve rapid assessment of population health status, responding to infectious disease outbreaks, treating malnutrition, and developing diagnostic tools. The findings aim to address public health questions and significantly improve the health status of affected populations.
A new peanut butter-based program has shown remarkable success in treating severe malnutrition in children in Malawi, with 89% of severely malnourished children and 85% of moderately malnourished children recovering after treatment. The treatment, known as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), was implemented at 12 rural health centers...
A study by Cornell University finds that pollution from water, air and soil is responsible for 40% of global deaths, with malnutrition and disease susceptibility affecting 3.7 billion people worldwide. The researchers warn that the growing world population, combined with environmental degradation, are major causes behind human diseases.
Researchers identified TXNIP as a key regulator of glucose homeostasis in humans. Elevated TXNIP levels inhibit glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells, contributing to type 2 diabetes. Modulating TXNIP activity may help break the cycle leading to diabetes.
A team of researchers at Penn State has discovered a master regulator that controls metabolic responses to essential amino acid deficiency, leading to profound effects on fat metabolism. The discovery may lead to new treatments for obesity and protein malnutrition, particularly in underdeveloped nations where malnutrition is prevalent.
A nutrition specialist emphasizes that current approaches to treating severe malnutrition are ineffective, resulting in high mortality rates among children. Further research is necessary to develop adequate care for millions of young children affected by malnutrition.
A study published in PLoS Medicine identified four clinical features that can predict the likelihood of death in severely malnourished children. These signs include slow heart rate, weak pulse volume, depressed level of consciousness, and delayed capillary refilling time. The researchers proposed using these indicators to identify high...
A study by researchers at UVa found that the Alzheimer's gene (APOE4) protects children from severe diarrhea and its consequences. The gene helps them survive malnutrition, but may contribute to problems later in life.
A study in rural Ethiopia found that a tapped water supply reduced the time spent carrying water, leading to improved child survival but also increasing birth rates and childhood malnutrition. The researchers suggest that development projects should be multisectoral to avoid long-term problems.
The world's largest nutrition crises are in West Africa, Niger, Ethiopia, and Malawi, with undernutrition linked to half of premature child deaths. To address malnutrition, intervention programs must target processes, promote breastfeeding, and address micronutrient deficiencies.
A practical screening tool was developed to diagnose severe acute malnutrition in children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. The tool uses a combination of clinical signs and laboratory results to identify at-risk children, enabling timely intervention and improving survival rates.
The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University has developed a problem-solving approach called Public Nutrition to address nutritional problems in emergencies. This approach focuses on food distribution, prevention, and treatment of malnutrition, as well as addressing micronutrient deficiency diseases.
Weight-reduction surgery patients are at risk of developing peripheral neuropathy, a condition causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Following nutritional guidelines and attending post-surgical care programs can help prevent nerve damage.
A University of Michigan researcher suggests that obesity in developing nations is a result of the body's attempts to cope with childhood malnourishment. The phenomenon is similar to yo-yo dieting, where dieters who have deprived themselves gain weight at faster rates than non-dieters when they begin eating normally again.
Agricultural ecologist David Pimentel warns of unimaginable malnutrition and human misery by 2054 if current trends continue. The world's growing population is putting pressure on resources like cropland, fresh water, and energy, threatening food production.
Dialysis patients with inflammation or malnutrition have lower cholesterol levels than those without. Higher cholesterol is associated with lower mortality among patients without these conditions, but not among those with them.
The American Dietetic Association asserts that access to adequate nutrition is a fundamental human right, and that hunger continues to affect millions worldwide. The organization supports programs combating hunger and malnutrition, promoting food security and self-sufficiency.
A Cornell University expert argues that 8 million childhood deaths worldwide are preventable due to malnutrition. Malnutrition interacts with diseases like measles and pneumonia, increasing the risk of death by up to 12 times. The solution lies in making healthcare more equitable and accessible, despite funding issues.
A study of Peruvian children found that chronic malnutrition in infancy is associated with poor cognitive function in late childhood. Children who were stunted or had Giardia infections performed lower on the Wechsler intelligence scale, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections early on.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that 67% of convalescent home patients have low serum albumin levels indicative of severe malnutrition. Malnourished patients are also more likely to experience depression and dehydration, highlighting the need for improved nutrition care.
Child malnutrition rates are 50% in some conflict areas, while vaccine-preventable diseases persist due to the ongoing war. Militia groups regularly direct armed raids against Dinka villages, resulting in deaths and disappearances of family members, particularly children under 5 years old.
A community-based therapeutic care component is being touted as a more effective and cost-efficient way to treat malnutrition during famine. The strategy aims to improve coverage, provide socioeconomic benefits, and reduce death rates from starvation.
New research reveals malnutrition affects clearance of rotavirus more than immune response, suggesting a new vaccine may be effective in developing countries. The study found nourished piglets recovered faster and had less diarrhea than malnourished pigs.