A poor diet can create a variety of health problems that contribute to suppressed immune systems, frequent infections and drastic weight loss in children, reports Children's HeathWatch, a nonprofit that conducts research on childhood nutrition. As a child loses weight and suffers infections and illnesses, his body weakens and sets off a continuous cycle of weight loss, infections, and eventually, chronic disorders such as anemia.
Significance
Approximately 22 percent of children under 6 years old in the United States live in households that cannot provide enough food to support an active and healthy lifestyle, reports Children's HealthWatch. According to a 2010 report published by the Feeding America/Second Harvest Food Network, more than 14 million U.S. children are in need of hunger relief services.
Physical Effects
The physical effects of poor nutrition vary from child to child. Typically, poor diets result in low body weight and iron-deficiency anemia. According to Children's HealthWatch, anemia causes fatigue and makes a child more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. Children with poor nutrition are 30 percent more likely to be hospitalized for these types of illnesses because their immune systems are compromised and they often have more difficulty healing or recovering from illnesses or infections.
Developmental and Social Effects
Young children with poor nutrition are also at greater risk for developmental delays. Children's HealthWatch notes that children may experience delays in cognitive development, speech and motor skills. In addition, The Dairy Council of California notes that children with poor diet often have difficulty concentrating in school, and often experience anxiety and lethargy that disrupts their learning. In the long run, poor nutrition contributes to poor academic performance, behavioral problems and failure in school.
Prevention/Solution
The Dairy Council of California suggests that a comprehensive approach to nutritional intervention is best. Communities can offer free or reduced food programs in their schools and schools can provide children and parents with critical educational information regarding proper diet and nutrition. Children's HealthWatch also notes that these interventions are particularly important during the first three years of life when key physical and cognitive development takes place. Educational and medical professionals can support proper nutrition in very young children by referring parents to local food assistance programs.
Expert Insight
Children's HealthWatch advocates for the expansion of nutritional assistance programs, noting that many families are on the cusp of qualifying for aid and these children are often the ones who suffer the most serious health complications. The California Dairy Council suggests that families can also benefit from educational interventions that stress the importance of informed shopping, healthy meal planning and methods to ensure a balanced diet on a restricted budget.
