Causes and Mechanisms of Linear Growth Retardation (International Dietary Energy Consultative Group - IDECG, 1993, 216 pages): Onset and evolution of stunting in infants and children. Examples from the Human Nutrition Collaborative Research Support Program. Kenya and Egypt studies: 1. Introduction

Causes and Mechanisms of Linear Growth Retardation (International Dietary Energy Consultative Group - IDECG, 1993, 216 pages)

Onset and evolution of stunting in infants and children. Examples from the Human Nutrition Collaborative Research Support Program. Kenya and Egypt studies

		(introductory text...)
		1. Introduction
		2. The Nutrition Collaborative Research Support Program
		3. Example of stunting: Kenya project
		4. Example of stunting: Egypt project
		5. Summary
		References

1. Introduction

Stunting is frequently associated with functional disadvantages (Martorell et al., 1992; Neumann & Bwibo, 1987; Neumann, Bwibo & Sigman, 1992). Even when socioeconomic status and other home and environmental factors are controlled for, stunting per se remains negatively correlated with cognitive and school performance, physical activity and reproductive outcome, and positively correlated with risk of infection. Chronic food deficits accompanied by infection contribute to stunting and underweight, both of which are highly prevalent in developing countries and are the most common forms of malnutrition (Jelliffe & Jelliffe, 1989).