The body's method of converting food into energy is called metabolism. The chemical reactions that control the use of fuel regulate cell growth and every movement in the body, from physical activity to blood circulation, digestion and breathing. Metabolism begins at the time of conception, according to The Children's Hospital. The process continues until death. A number of metabolic disorders can affect the body function in children and adults.
Effects
Metabolism is a two-part process that involves receiving the fuel and converting it into usable energy. According to the Nemours Foundation, anabolism is the process by which the body converts fuel into molecules available for energy. It is the constructive process that also includes storing the fuel in the fat cells for future use. Catabolism is the process by which the fuel is used. It is the destructive stage that produces the energy to be used by the body. How fast this conversion takes place determines the pace of metabolism.
Features
A metabolic disorder is any condition that affects the way the body processes fuel and how that fuel affects cell growth. Metabolic disorders can be inherited and present at birth and are called inborn errors. Newborn testing usually includes blood tests to screen for metabolic discrepancies. Treatment must be provided immediately to prevent serious complications.
Significance
Calories are used as a measurement of energy. The number of calories needed to maintain bodily functions and support activities depends on the amount of exercise a child receives. The basal metabolic rate, or BMR, is the number of calories needed to support the body when it's at rest, according to The Children's Hospital. The most common method to determine the amount of calories a child should have to maintain a healthy BMR is to multiply his weight by 10.
Differences
Slow and fast metabolisms are determined in part by how much exercise a child engages in, how much muscle and fat he has and his genetic BMR. A slow BMR causes children to burn fewer calories while resting, which can lead to weight gain if the child consumes too many calories. Increased muscle mass through exercise can influence a BMR and affect the inherited tendencies, speeding up metabolism, according to the Nemours Foundation.
Identification
A metabolic disorder can result from malfunctioning red blood cells that cannot produce bone marrow tissue quick enough. This condition, called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, results in rapid heartbeat and quickened breathing. Kids with the condition may become jaundiced and have an enlarged spleen. Hyperthyroidism is recognized by a child's inability to gain weight, increased heart rate, protruding eyes and a large lump in the throat. Babies born with galactosemia do not possess enough of the enzyme needed to break down milk; galactosemia is considered a metabolic disorder. Symptoms often are seen at birth and include yellow skin, or jaundice, a swollen liver and vomiting.
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