It is difficult to determine exactly what proportion
of those losses are due to maternal malnutrition, but recent research indicates that 60 percent
of deaths
of children under age 5 are associated with malnutrition — and children's malnutrition is strongly
correlated with
mothers» poor nutritional status.17 Problems related to anemia, for example, including cognitive impairment in children and low productivity in adults, cost US$ 5 billion a year in South Asia alone.18 Illness associated with nutrient deficiencies have significantly reduced the productivity
of women in less developed countries.19 A recent report from Asia shows that malnutrition reduces human productivity by 10 percent to 15 percent and gross domestic product by 5 percent to 10 percent.20 By improving the nutrition
of adolescent girls and women, nations can reduce health care costs, increase intellectual capacity, and improve adult productivity.21