What Is The Difference Between Hunger And Malnutrition?

Superior Essays
The statistics concerning worldwide hunger are staggering. The World Food Programme reports that approximately 795 million people worldwide suffer from hunger and malnutrition [1]. To help put this number into perspective, one in nine people are hungry. More than 3 million children under the age of five die because of poor nutrition annually.

What is the Difference Between Hunger and Malnutrition?
Hunger is a signal created by the body to let you know that it is time to eat. Once you eat, the hunger goes away. Malnutrition occurs when you do not receive the nutrients your body needs to support growth and health. Malnutrition can negatively impact a person’s physical health and mental faculties.

Who is at Risk for Malnutrition?
Economically challenged families are at risk of being malnourished. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, droughts and flooding, can affect food sources, which can lead to malnutrition. Infants, children often suffer
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Of the 2 million iodine deficient people worldwide, approximately 50 million people suffer from serious symptoms of iodine deficiency [8]. The symptoms of iodine deficiency are multifaceted. Sufferers may experience mental retardation, thyroid enlargement, hypothyroidism, lowered immunity and decreased organ function. Supplementation through the Micronutrient Initiative and the Government of Canada is helping to ensure universal iodization worldwide.

Iron Deficiency and Fortification
Iron is necessary for red blood cell development and immunity. Iron deficiency [9] is a widespread issue, especially in women. When a person is iron deficient, they can suffer from anemia, which can reduce productivity, thus causing economic problems in the area. Offering iron supplementation to menstruating women is one of the major ways organizations around the world are combatting this disorder.

Zinc Deficiency and

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