Human Nutrition in the Developing World

by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

In this publication, Professor Michael Latham draws upon his far-reaching experience in the field of international nutrition to provide a rich source of information about nutrition science, public health, food science and public policy. The text summarizes key points in human nutrition and provides information about protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Special emphasis is given to the nutritional needs of infants, children, mothers and the elderly. Basic information about foods commonly found in the diets of Africans, Asians and Latin Americans is given. The book focuses on the nutritional and health consequences of inadequate food consumption. Each major nutritional disorder is described and factors contributing to malnutrition such as low food production, food insecurity, poor health status and social and cultural factors are reviewed.

[This is a reprint of the 1997 edition.]

522 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all. Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates into English as "let there be bread". As of 8 August 2013, FAO has 194 member states, along with the European Union (a "member organization"), and the Faroe Islands and Tokelau, which are associate members.