Malnutrition among children is a serious global issue all too prevalent today. According to the PBS program "Rx for Survival," malnutrition is responsible for 53 percent of mortalities for children younger than 5, making it the largest contributor to premature death. Malnutrition typically is associated with being undernourished, but it relates to over-nutrition and obesity as well. Depending on its severity, malnutrition can inhibit a child's growth, cause irreversible damage to brain development and lead to many serious diseases.
Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is extremely common in children, as iron is needed to support growth. A lack of dietary iron can cause delays in brain development, sometimes irreversible. Symptoms include irritability, pale skin, lack of appetite, weakness and cold hands and feet. Prevention of anemia is very important for expecting mothers, as anemic women are at most risk for delivery complications such as hemorrhaging and having babies of low-birth weights. These infants are more susceptible to disease and complications in later life. According to the journal "American Family Physician," avoiding cow's milk until after age 1 can reduce anemia risk. Cow's milk lacks sufficient iron and is detrimental if used in place of breast milk or iron-fortified formulas. For older children and adults, a diet rich in meats, whole grains, iron-fortified cereals and dark green vegetables can prevent anemia.
Goiter
Goiter is a condition in which the thyroid gland swells in the neck, forming a large mass. It is a result of iodine deficiency, a mineral found in seafood, sea vegetables such as kelp and iodized table salt. Severe deficiency can cause goiter and mental retardation in children. According to The New York Times, even a moderate deficiency in infancy or childhood can cause a decrease in IQ by 10 to 15 points. In the United States and many other developed countries, the majority of salt is already iodized.
Vitamin Deficiency-Related Diseases
Vitamin A and vitamin D are two of the most common deficiencies in children today, according to "Rx for Survival." A lack of vitamin A, found in fruits, vegetables, liver and eggs, is responsible for dry eyes, impaired vision and night blindness. In severe deficiencies, in can cause total blindness. A vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children, a disease causing bone deformities such as bowed legs and spinal curvatures. Sources of vitamin D include exposure to sunlight, fish oils and dairy. Many dairy products in the U.S. are fortified with both vitamin A and D to prevent such conditions.
Kwashiorkor and Marasmus
Kwashiorkor and marasmus are conditions most commonly seen in starving children of underdeveloped countries. Kwashiorkor occurs when an individual receives enough calories but not enough protein. This causes fluid retention, often causing a distended abdomen. Marasmus is a deficiency in both calories and protein and is characterized by an extremely frail, thin appearance. Malnourished children typically have a multitude of nutrient deficiencies and developmental impairments.
Childhood Obesity
Malnutrition is bad nutrition, which does not always indicate a shortage of food. It can mean an excess of calories as well. Western diets have become more calorie-dense, processed and offer limited nutrition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines obesity as being 30 pounds or greater than ideal body weight. It has become an alarming epidemic in the U.S., especially among children. Children who are obese are at much higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, cancers and depression.
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