Poor nutrition among young children could increase the risk for high blood pressure later in life, according to a new study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension.
The study claims that severe malnutrition in children between birth and five years old may have a severe consequence on the child's heart development.
"If nutritional needs are not met during this time, when structures of the body are highly susceptible to potentially irreversible change, it could have long-term consequences on heart anatomy and blood flow later in life," said Terrence Forrester, Ph.D., the study senior author and chief scientist, UWI Solutions for Developing Countries, at the University of the West Indies.
The study could impact millions of young children. The research effort involved 116 adults who suffered malnutrition as children. Researchers measured weight, blood pressure levels and underwent heart examinations and test.
"We are concerned that millions of people globally who suffer malnutrition before or after birth are at increased risk of hypertension in later life," Forrester said.
The study reveals that children who endured childhood malnutrition had higher diastolic blood pressure readings, less blood flow in smaller vessels and less efficient heart pumping activity.
In 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there were 8.3 million children likely enduring malnutrition and what officials describe as 'food insecurity," meaning food was not readily available.
"Such an investment in nutrition and general health will have huge public health dividends, including these longer-term risks of chronic heart and metabolic diseases that cost so much in human lives," Forrester said.
As reported by Tech Times earlier this year, another study related to nutrition indicates two billion people are already suffering from forms of malnutrition brought on by iron and zinc deficiencies. Climate conditions are having an impact on crops and may significantly reduced concentration of the elements basic to human health.
