Meta-Analyses of Nutrition Interventions to Prevent or Treat Undernutrition

The past decade has seen a variety of nutritional interventions used around the world. But what has been their impact in terms of nutritional outcomes in women and children? Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta provides a comprehensive overview of the key programs addressing undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. He categories these interventions according to the relevant stages of the human life cycle, from preconception and pregnancy throughout infancy and childhood. The key concept that underpins Bhutta’s analysis is the fundamental continuum between maternal and childhood nutrition.Globally, there is a large gap in terms of addressing the nutritional requirements of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. Effective strategies, such as family planning, screening, immunization and dietary interventions should be integrated into a comprehensive package for maximum impact. Bhutta concludes by discussing the use of community-based platforms as a tool for bringing these interventions to the poor.