title: [Undernutrition in humanitarian crises].
abstract: Undernutrition is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in emergencies. The response depends on the extent and type of undernutrition in the affected population. Nutritional status is assessed by weight-for-height, mid-upper arm circumference and micronutrient deficiencies. Food aid is distributed in general or selective feeding programmes. Promotion of breastfeeding has been found to be one of the most efficient strategies to prevent undernutrition. There is a lack of evidence to support the optimal composition of food aid products, but there is an increasing focus on the importance of research in this field.
authors.affiliation: Institut for Human Ernaering, Det Biovidenskabelige Fakultet, Københavns Universitet, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
authors.forename: Jutta Kloppenborg Heick
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Skau
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Friis
authors.forename: Kim Fleischer
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Michaelsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003906:Developing Countries; D004190:Disasters; D005523:Food Supply / Q000592:standards; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D009752:Nutritional Status