title: Econutrition and utilization of food-based approaches for nutritional health.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies continue to have a detrimental impact in lower-income countries, with significant costs in morbidity, mortality, and productivity. Food is the primary source of the nutrients needed to sustain life, and it is the essential component that links nutrition, agriculture, and ecology in the econutrition framework.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present evidence and analysis of food-based approaches for improving nutritional and health outcomes in lower-income countries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of existing literature.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The benefits of food-based approaches may include nutritional improvement, food security, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and human productivity. Food-based approaches require additional inputs, including nutrition education, gender considerations, and agricultural planning. Although some forms of malnutrition can be addressed via supplements, food-based approaches are optimal to achieve sustainable solutions to multiple nutrient deficiencies.
authors: Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, PH 1512, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors: Tanya L
authors: TL
authors: Blasbalg
authors: Bram
authors: B
authors: Wispelwey
authors: Richard J
authors: RJ
authors: Deckelbaum
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018556:Crops, Agricultural; D003906:Developing Countries; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005502:Food / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000172:deficiency; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011203:Poverty; D011634:Public Health
chemical_list: D018977:Micronutrients