Nutritional status in Central America and Panama
Valverde, V.; Arroyave, G.; Guzmán, M.; Flores, M.
Progress in Clinical and Biological Research 67: 271-282
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0361-7742 PMID: 6795642 Document Number: 180022
Current nutritional status and changes in Central America (CA) and Panama over the past 15 years are examined, along with the regional and socioeconomic distribution of malnutrition and the outlook for the 1980s. Available evidence on the type and magnitude of nutritional deficiencies in the CA isthmus shows marked differences among the 6 countries comprising this region. Governmental application of technology has dramatically reduced deficiencies from low iodine and vitamin A intakes. Application of available advanced technology for fortifying an appropriate food vehicle should reduce iron deficiency anemia as well as hypovitaminosis A; goiter has been reduced already. There is no basis for suggesting that nutritional conditions have deteriorated in the past 15 years; recent data on height retardation in 3 countries actually indicate improvement. Indications are that prevalence of undernourished individuals in the CA isthmus should be substantially reduced during the 1980s. (wz)