Food Environments and Their Influence on Early Childhood Nutrition in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

Abstract

Early childhood nutrition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is critically shaped by the surrounding food environments, which influence the availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of nutrient-rich foods. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on how physical, economic, socio-cultural, informational, and policy dimensions of food environments affect dietary diversity, nutrient adequacy, and growth outcomes among children under five. Findings indicate that limited market access, high food prices, cultural feeding norms, aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods, and weak regulatory frameworks collectively contribute to stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, and emerging overweight. Integrated, context-specific interventions targeting these environmental determinants are essential to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and advance global child nutrition goals. Strengthening food environments through policy, community engagement, and market interventions offers a promising pathway to reduce malnutrition and support healthy growth and development in LMICs.