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Volume 05
Journal of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
ISSN: 2472-1921
JOINT EVENT
June 17-18, 2019 London, UK
Nutrition World 2019
Euro Obesity 2019
June 17-18, 2019
&
26
th
World Nutrition Congress
15
th
Euro Obesity and Endocrinology Congress
Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistan-a reappraisal of the challenges and opportunities
Saeed Akhtar
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan
M
alnutrition paradoxically distresses a substantial population fraction in Pakistan. Reportedly, one third of
the children under five-year age have been suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Present review aims to
centralize the magnitude of the prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies (MND), associated health
and economic losses, determinants for massive nutritional issues and plausible solutions such as micronutrients
fortification and supplementation being viable and pragmatic approaches to subdue stunting, wasting, underweight,
low birth weight, decreased cognitive performance, frequent infections, anemia, goiter, pregnancy and common
health compilations. Data pertaining to the prevalence of MND and malnutrition in Pakistan were electronically
searched from databases with relevant key words. A total of 96 full text papers were downloaded and 86 were selected
on the basis of their relevance to evaluate the level of prevalence of MND and malnutrition amongst all population
tiers especially children <5 years. The results showed that MND and malnutrition extensively prevailed in Pakistani
communities with children under the age of five years and pregnant women being more vulnerable population
fractions. In the face of many cost-effective approaches including salt iodization, iron and zinc fortification of wheat
flour, vitamin A fortification of fats and oils and supplementation of vitamin A drops among infants, no significant
reduction in MND has yet been achieved in Pakistan. Global efforts to initiate integrated plans, compelling advocacy,
resolute moves and political commitment are needed to underpin the existing nutritional ecology and landscape in
Pakistan.
saeedakhtar@bzu.edu.pkJ Clin Nutr Diet 2019, Volume 05