Impact of income on nutrient intakes: implications for undernourishment and obesity

Salois, M. J., Tiffin, R. and Balcombe, K. G. (2012) Impact of income on nutrient intakes: implications for undernourishment and obesity. Journal of Development Studies, 48 (12). pp. 1716-1730. ISSN 1743-9140 doi: 10.1080/00220388.2012.658376

Abstract/Summary

The relationship between income and nutrient intake is explored. Nonparametric, panel, and quantile regressions are used. Engle curves for calories, fat, and protein are approximately linear in logs with carbohydrate intakes exhibiting diminishing elasticities as incomes increase. Elasticities range from 0.10 to 0.25, with fat having the highest elasticities. Countries in higher quantiles have lower elasticities than those in lower quantiles. Results predict significant cumulative increases in calorie consumption which are increasingly composed of fats. Though policies aimed at poverty alleviation and economic growth may assuage hunger and malnutrition, they may also exacerbate problems associated with obesity.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/25024
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/00220388.2012.658376
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Agri-Food Economics & Marketing
Publisher	Taylor and Francis
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