Food Security and Human Health

Abstract

Eradication of hunger is one of the sustainable development goals listed by the United Nations. By 2050 the expected world population would be 10 billion and to provide food for all, we need to prioritize food security. A robust food security ecosystem will help to ensure that hygienic, nutritious food is available to the general population of a country. A decrease in the production of nutritious and safe food or limited purchasing power of consumers leads to food insecurity. Individuals facing financial constraints are affected the most because of food insecurity and hence are at a high risk of hunger and malnutrition. A deficiency, excess or imbalance of certain nutrients in the diet leads to malnutrition. Malnutrition is often used synonymously with undernutrition, which can be because of a deficiency of protein and/or micronutrients in the diet. Among the micronutrients, iron, zinc, and folic acid deficiency is very prevalent and the leading cause of undernutrition. Protein-energy malnutrition leads to conditions like Marasmus and Kwashiorkor. The common infectious diseases associated with undernutrition are pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, measles, and AIDS. Thus, food insecurity poses challenges not only to addressing public health but also affects the overall economic growth and socio-political stability of any nation. Hence at the global level, several programmes have been envisioned by the World Health Organization and United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition. In context to the Indian population, the Government of India has started implementing various initiatives to establish food security. However, issues such as climate change, drought, floods, demographic changes, wars, increasing global population and pandemics need to be constantly addressed to achieve sustainable developmental goals. In this review, we have discussed what food security is and how in its absence, malnutrition predominates in a sizable population, especially children. The consequences of nutrient deficiency and their relationship with immunity and infection are highlighted and finally, the efforts that are being taken to tackle food security at a global level and in context to Indian issues are discussed.