The relationship between nutrition and economic development is discussed, it illustrates that nutrition is not only the consequence of economic development, but also as one of the motive power, playing important role in economic development. The authors reviewed the scientific insight of the impact of malnutrition on disease prevalence, mental development, adult physical capability and productivity. Data on nutrition status of population in the poor areas and the analysis on the risk of chronic disease poverty population facing to are presented. In order to protect the health of the poor, and to guarantee the physical efficiency and productivity of the current labor force in poor areas, and to provide a mentally and physically well developed manpower for the future economy, the authors appeal to the policy-makers to integrate nutrition component into poverty alleviation program. Several low cost and effective approaches for nutrition improvement are listed.