Effect of calorie supplementation on growth of undernourished childre & international nutrition

It has been generally believed that the major reason for the widespread malnutrition and growth retardation in early childhood in many countries in the world is the existence of a “protein gap” in the diets of children in these countries. There has been overwhelming emphasis on protein deficiency as the major factor concerned in childhood malnutrition. Though the term “protein-calorie malnutrition” is often used, the general acceptance of this term does not appear to have had much effect upon general thinking or planning. Most people use the term “protein-calorie” and then proceed to discuss “protein” (1). The synergistic role of infection in childhood and malnutrition is well recognized. This recognition should have normally led to an emphasis on the need for control of