A child is considered stunted if their growth has been impaired due to malnutrition, making them shorter than their peers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Stunting not only hampers physical and cognitive development but also increases the risk of child mortality. Data from UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank shows that regions such as Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Central America have the highest prevalence of child stunting.
To address this issue, a group of researchers from the International Food Policy Research Institute conducted a multi-country analysis to investigate the association between milk consumption and stunting rates. Their findings are of particular interest to policymakers in regions with high stunting prevalence.
The researchers used WHO data on stunting prevalence and merged it with FAO Food Balance Sheet estimates of domestic food supply, with a focus on milk consumption. They also examined the relationship between dairy consumption prevalence in children aged 6-23 months and milk supply from the Demographic and Health Surveys. This analysis revealed a strong correlation between milk supply and consumption, enhancing the accuracy of their estimates.
Additionally, the researchers controlled for various variables, including nutrient-rich food groups, average income, access to improved sanitation facilities and drinking water, among others.
South East Asia, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa displayed the highest stunting prevalence, while Eastern Asia had the lowest rates. Surprisingly, South Asia, despite being home to India, the largest dairy producer globally, did not have a high milk supply, potentially due to other factors such as poor water and sanitation conditions. The researchers noted that only half of the children in India consumed dairy in the past 24 hours according to the 2015-16 DHS.
The study highlighted that most regions, except Sub-Saharan Africa, experienced a reduction in stunting prevalence. Milk supply had increased in all regions since 1960, with Southeast Asia, China, Central Asia, and South Asia experiencing the most substantial growth in consumption. Higher income levels were also associated with lower stunting rates and increased milk supply.
Given certain limitations, the authors suggested prioritizing dairy development in national food and nutritional strategies, based on the evidence presented in this study.
The researchers emphasized the need to tailor dairy development strategies to local circumstances, considering factors such as agro-ecological potential, traditions, and demand for dairy. They mentioned that success stories in South-East Asia could serve as valuable lessons for other countries.
In low and medium-income countries with strong dairy production and consumption traditions, the authors stressed the importance of modernization and marketing. Expanding access to markets, improving livestock genetics, veterinary services, processing and storage technologies, and ensuring food safety regulations are crucial in scaling up dairy consumption.
Public policies and public-private partnerships have significant potential to increase dairy consumption in regions with low milk consumption, like Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Addressing concerns about dairy products, the authors highlighted the nutritional benefits compared to its greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the climate cost, dairy production generates high-quality protein. Furthermore, efficiency improvements in dairy production could reduce emissions and make dairy products more affordable for the poor.
The authors also discussed lactose intolerance as a potential barrier, primarily affecting adult populations in countries with no history of dairy consumption. However, examples like Vietnam demonstrated that rapid increases in dairy consumption among young children could be achieved even in countries without dairy traditions.
In conclusion, based on this study and the existing evidence linking milk consumption to reduced stunting risks, the authors asserted the need for greater investments in dairy production and potentially trade reforms to combat stunting and alleviate micronutrient deprivation in developing countries.
Source:
Title: Growth in milk consumption and reductions in child stunting: Historical evidence from cross-country panel data
Authors: Headey, D., Haile, B.
Published: 20 June 2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2023.102485