Malnutrition is a lack of essential nutrients in the body. Though malnutrition is commonly associated with starvation or undernourishment, it can also occur in people who overeat, follow an unhealthy diet or consume excessive vitamin supplements. Around the world, malnourishment is a major health problem and a leading cause of death, especially among children in developing countries.
Causes of Malnutrition
Malnutrition is often the result of insufficient food consumption, when the body does not receive the nutrients it needs for development and daily functioning. However, children who eat regularly may also develop malnutrition because of a lack of essential nutrients in the diet. Children who have medical problems such as lactose intolerance, cystic fibrosis or celiac disease may develop malnutrition, because the body is unable to efficiently process and utilize the food it receives.
Malnutrition and Children
According to the John Hopkins Children's Center, 1 percent of American children are affected by chronic malnutrition and a majority of these cases are attributable to unbalanced diets. In developing countries around the world, malnutrition is the cause of more than half of the deaths among children. A child who does not consume enough proteins, calories or micronutrients such as folate, calcium, iron, zinc or a vitamin can develop malnutrition. Severe malnutrition in a child can lead to disability, impaired development or even death.
Symptoms of Malnutrition
Some of the prominent signs of malnutrition in children include weight loss, low muscle mass, lack of body fat and bulging stomachs that are disproportionate with the rest of the body. Low immunity, inadequate growth and fragile bones are other symptoms. Malnutrition may also result in anxiety, mood swings and learning problems in children.
Effects of Malnutrition
The consequences of malnutrition vary according to the nutrient that is lacking in an individual's diet. Iron deficiency causes anemia, which can lead to weakness and fatigue. Anemia can be life-threatening when severe, because it can affect the functioning of the heart and the brain. According to the American Medical Association, vitamin A deficiency is also potentially serious and is responsible for many of the cases of preventable blindness among children worldwide. Iodine deficiency can cause enlargement of the thyroid gland, a condition also known as goiter.
Treatment for Malnutrition
The best way to prevent malnutrition in a child is to make available a variety of healthy foods such as leafy green vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains and meat. Limit unhealthy snacks, processed foods and fast foods that offer little nutrition. In most cases, malnutrition is reversible and treatable. If your child is a picky eater and you suspect malnutrition, talk to his doctor. The doctor can perform tests to identify any medical conditions and also suggest improvements to your child's diet plan. You can also ask your child's doctor about vitamin supplements and fortified foods that can provide adequate nutrition.
References
- John Hopkins Children's Center: Malnutrition
- National Institutes of Health; Malnutrition; June 14, 2011
- Journal of the American Medical Association; Malnutrition in Children; August 4, 2004; Janet M. Torpy, MD, Richard M. Glass, MD
- KidsHealth; Hunger and Malnutrition; Mary L. Gavin, MD; November 2009
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