A review of the evidence linking child stunting to economic outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To understand the full impact of stunting in childhood it is important to consider the long-run effects of undernutrition on the outcomes of adults who were affected in early life. Focusing on the costs of stunting provides a means of evaluating the economic case for investing in childhood nutrition.

Methods

We review the literature on the association between stunting and undernutrition in childhood and economic outcomes in adulthood. At the national level, we also evaluate the evidence linking stunting to economic growth. Throughout, we consider randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental approaches and observational studies.

Results

Long-run evaluations of two randomized nutrition interventions indicate substantial returns to the programmes (a

SUBMITTER: McGovern ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5837457 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature