Soaring Food Prices: The Reason behind Malnutrition

The report further added "They also modify the allocation of food within the household, with mothers going without food in order to maintain their children's dietary intake."

It was seen that the average prevalence of underweight in nations identified as 'exposed' to food price volatility is 23 percent. In 'highly-exposed' countries, it is even higher at 26 percent. The increase in food prices in 2008 is anticipated to have pushed an additional 105 million people below the poverty line. In February last year when food prices again reached their 2008 peak, an additional 48 million people fell below the poverty line.

The report said that "The most immediate are dietary intake and exposure to disease. Good nutrition means more than simply getting enough food. Families must be able to grow or buy food containing all the energy and nutrients they need. Rising and volatile global food prices are pushing nutritious foods out of the reach of poor people. The resultant increase in malnutrition will have long-term effects on children," as reported by TOI.

Also Read: India at Par with Africa on Nutrition, 50 Pct Children Malnourished