Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition as human rights

Abstract

There is no doubt that human beings have a right to nutrition and hydration as a basic support for life. Prolonged deprivation of sufficient amounts of food results in development of malnutrition, which is incompatible with survival through deterioration of health. More specifically, disease (particularly infections through loss of immune defense), disabilities and ultimately death are common malnutrition consequences. There is strong general awareness that the right to be nourished is jeopardized by natural, social and economic hurdles that still affect a large, but fortunately decreasing proportion of humankind. Ensuring adequate food availability for all is therefore a strong priority in political agendas worldwide.