Childhood Malnutrition: a Potential Risk of Metabolic Diseases in Adulthood

*Emokpae, M.A. and Odungide, E.E.

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author: mathias.emokpae@uniben.edu; Tel: +234-803-451-1182.
ORCID iD:0000-0002-6266-177

Recieved Date: June, 2020; Accepted Date: June, 2020; Published Date: June, 2020

ABSTRACT

Background: Childhood malnutrition is common in sub-Saharan countries of Africa including Nigeria. It has assumed a public health challenge to families and communities. Objective: To highlight the magnitude of childhood malnutrition and emphasize the need to sustain program implementations in order to halt or prevent its consequences. Materials and Methods: Relevant literatures were obtained and reviewed from Medline, Google Scholars and Pubmed search engines. Results: The trend of childhood malnutrition in Nigeria is on the increase. The need for adequate nutrition from the time of conception to the first two years of life is emphasized. Evidence indicates an association between childhood malnutrition and potential risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardio- vascular and neurological diseases in adulthood. Conclusion: Childhood malnutrition can lead to poor growth, organs development and function and adverse programming effects. Strategies that promote improvements in nutrition in pregnant women and young children would help to improve health capital and confers protection against the development of metabolic diseases in adulthood.