Food Price Shocks Can Affect Children's Growth

Topic: Health

A study found that sudden increases in food prices during economic crises can lead to long-term health problems in children. Urban residents and families with lower levels of education are often most affected.

The financial crisis of the late 1990s had a lasting impact on the physical development of children in Indonesia. Researchers at the University of Bonn studied this effect using data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey. They found that when rice prices surged dramatically, it left measurable marks on the growth of children. The study was published in the journal Global Food Security.

The researchers analyzed data from 1997 to 2000 and compared it with body measurements recorded during childhood and later in early adulthood. They found that a massive price shock not only had a short-term impact but also affected long-term physical development. This led to chronic malnutrition and was associated with a 3.5 percentage point increase in child stunting.

The study also found that families who saved less on calories than on more expensive, nutrient-rich foods resulted in 'hidden deficiencies' of important micronutrients. This slowed down height growth without necessarily reducing body weight to the same extent.

Why It Matters

This study highlights the importance of nutrition-sensitive crisis policy to protect children during critical development stages. It also emphasizes that food policy should not only focus on calories but also consider nutrient-rich foods to ensure a balanced diet.

Key Facts

• The financial crisis of the late 1990s led to a surge in rice prices in Indonesia, affecting the physical development of children.
• The study found that a massive price shock was associated with a 3.5 percentage point increase in child stunting.
• Families who saved less on calories than on more expensive, nutrient-rich foods resulted in 'hidden deficiencies' of important micronutrients.

Key Terms

Stunted growth

When children's height is shorter than expected due to malnutrition.

Implications

This study highlights the importance of nutrition-sensitive crisis policy to protect children during critical development stages. It also emphasizes that food policy should not only focus on calories but also consider nutrient-rich foods to ensure a balanced diet.