The interaction of malnutrition and neurologic disability in Africa

Kerac, M, Postels, DG, Mallewa, M, Alusine Jalloh, A, Voskuijl, WP, Groce, N, Gladstone, M ORCID: 0000-0002-2579-9301 and Molyneux, E (2014) The interaction of malnutrition and neurologic disability in Africa Seminars in Pediatric Neurology, 21 (1). pp. 42-49. ISSN 1071-9091, 1558-0776

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Abstract

Malnutrition and neurodisability are both major public health problems in Africa. This review highlights key areas where they interact. This happens throughout life and starts with maternal malnutrition affecting fetal neurodevelopment with both immediate (eg, folate deficiency causing neural tube defects) and lifelong implications (eg, impaired cognitive function). Maternal malnutrition can also increase the risk of perinatal problems, including birth asphyxia, a major cause of neurologic damage and cerebral palsy. Macronutrient malnutrition can both cause and be caused by neurodisability. Mechanisms include decreased food intake, increased nutrient losses, and increased nutrient requirement. Specific micronutrient deficiencies can also lead to neurodisability, for example, blindness (vitamin A), intractable epilepsy (vitamin B6), and cognitive impairment (iodine and iron). Toxin ingestion (eg, from poorly processed cassava) can cause neurodisability including a peripheral polyneuropathy and a spastic paraparesis. We conclude that there is an urgent need for nutrition and disability programs to work more closely together. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans, Nervous System Diseases, Malnutrition, Africa
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	10 Jan 2017 09:54
Last Modified:	01 Mar 2026 06:56
DOI:	10.1016/j.spen.2014.01.003
Open Access URL:	http://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/S1071-9091(14...
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3005149
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