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Science 9 May 1980:
Vol. 208. no. 4444, pp. 564 - 569
DOI: 10.1126/science.7367878
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Articles

Science, Vol 208, Issue 4444, 564-569
Copyright © 1980 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Does malnutrition affect fecundity? A summary of evidence

J Bongaarts

Moderate chronic malnutrition has only a minor effect on fecundity (reproductive capacity), and the resulting effect on fertility (actural reproduction) is very small. Among the fecundity components examined here in noncontracepting populations, age at menarche and the duration of lactational amenorrhea appear to be the ones most affected by malnutrition. But from neither of those effects can a difference in fertility of more than a few percent be expected between poorly and well-nourished women in developing countries.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
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Interpopulational differences in progesterone levels during conception and implantation in humans.
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Malnutrition and fertility.
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Factors Affecting the Fecundity and Fertility of Historical Populations: a Review.
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