Nutrition Support in Earthquakes: A Comprehensive Program is Needed for Iran

Natural disasters have taken more than 3 million lives in the last two decades all over the world (1). Among them, earthquakes have claimed the largest number of lives (2). In addition to human casualties, earthquakes have destroyed food distribution centers (such as shops and stores), food storage facilities (warehouses, cold storage warehouses, silos, etc.) and food production centers (for example, food processing factories, livestock farms, and slaughter houses). These issues cause concerns among citizens and authorities (3). Providing nutritious food after natural disasters is one of the most important daily functions to be performed (4). The main nutritional problems after disasters are acute malnutrition (wasting, which is particularly an issue among children), micronutrient deficiencies, and long-term malnutrition (stunting) (5). After an earthquake, young children and infants are the most vulnerable groups to acute malnutrition, especially if they have to live in a temporary shelter (6). Moreover, people with special physiological conditions, such as pregnant and nursing women, and those of child-bearing age, are nutritionally vulnerable under these circumstances (7, 8). Hence, this population is at high risk of nutritional deficiencies due to low intake of animal food, which is rich in protein and micronutrients such as vitamins A and D, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These micronutrients play a key role in placental development, fetal brain development and embryonic growth (9). Poor nutritional status impairs the functioning of the immune system, and thus leads to higher mortality from infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, diarrhea or malaria. Lack of nutritional treatment and medical care in this situation, even can ultimately lead to death (6).