Irony of malnutrition in the land of plenty

Millions of people are suffering from malnutrition despite some of the most nutritious fish species in the world being caught near their homes, a new research published by Nature has shown.

Researchers found that children in many tropical coastal areas globally are particularly vulnerable and could see significant health improvements if just a fraction of the fish caught nearby was diverted into their diets as most of the micronutrients ‘slipped through the hands of malnourished people”.

The report says despite fish being a source omega 3 fatty acids and important micronutrients like iron, zinc and calcium, more than two billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, which are linked to maternal mortality, stunted growth, and pre-eclampsia.