It is difficult to behold, especially when it afflicts children. However, even the apparently well fed - those who receive sufficient calories to fuel their daily activities - can suffer the ‘hidden hunger’ of micronutrient malnutrition: deficiencies of such essentials as vitamin A, iron or zinc from fruits, vegetables, fish or meat. It has many short- and long-term consequences, including delayed mental development, heightened risk of infectious diseases and susceptibility to chronic disease in adult life.20 In low-income countries, child undernutrition is likely to be a consequence of poverty, characterized as it is by low family status and income, poor environment and housing, and inadequate access to food, safe water, guidance and health care. At least a quarter of urban children under 5 were stunted, indicating that they had been undernourished for some time. Income was a significant factor.