Micronutrient deficiencies in maternity and child health: a review of environmental and social context and implications for Malawi |
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Authors: | Natalie Dickinson Gordon Macpherson Andrew S Hursthouse John Atkinson |
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Institution: | (1) School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK;(2) School of Engineering and Science, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 3BE, Scotland, UK |
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Abstract: | It is well documented that micronutrient malnutrition is of increasing concern in the developing world, resulting in poor
health and high rates of mortality and morbidity. During pregnancy, deficiency of iron and zinc can produce cognitive and
growth impairment of the foetus, which may continue into infancy. Iron and zinc are essential micronutrients for both plant
growth and human nutrition. Despite significant work in the areas of soil fertility, crop biofortification and dietary interventions,
the problems of micronutrient deficiencies persist in Africa. There is a need to examine why communities have not embraced
intervention strategies which may offer health benefits. Bottom-up, interdisciplinary approaches are required to effectively
study the relationships between local communities and their environment, and to assess the impact their behaviour has on the
cycling of micronutrients within the soil–plant–human system. From a detailed consideration of diverse influencing factors,
a methodological model is suggested for studying the barriers to improving micronutrient uptake within rural communities.
It combines environmental understanding with health and social factors, emphasising the need for and potential benefits of
understanding and coherence in true interdisciplinary working. |
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Keywords: | Micronutrients Malnutrition Geophagy Iron Zinc Maternity Interdisciplinary Soil– plant– human transfer |
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