Failure to thrive is a condition where a child's current weight and rate of growth are below normal for age and sex. It is associated with malnutrition, which means the body is not getting enough nutrients. Developmental delays and long-term growth problems can be prevented if failure to thrive is diagnosed and treated early. The scholarly journal "American Family Physician" recommends gradually increasing nutrients, including protein, in small meals throughout the day to meet the child's growth needs.
Causes
Either poor nutritional intake or medical causes can lead to failure to thrive. According to PubMed Health, conditions associated with failure to thrive include gastrointestinal problems leading to malabsorption, cerebral palsy, heart and lung problems, chromosome abnormalities, blood disorders including anemia, metabolic disorders and low birth weight. Malnutrition develops if a child's nutrient intake does not meet his growth needs.
Identifying
A physician identifies failure to thrive during a regular check-up when a child's weight, height and head circumference do not follow standard growth charts. Signs of failure to thrive include a weight 20 percent or below the ideal for height or a dramatic change to an established growth curve. The doctor will also look for signs of delayed development, assessing physical skills, mental and social skills and noting delayed adolescence in older children.
Catch up Growth
The goal of treatment is to help the child grow at a faster rate than expected to allow her to "catch up" with normal growth curves. Proper nutrition is essential to proper growth. The doctor may suggest consulting a dietitian. The dietitian will assess the child's current intake and recommend protein and calorie requirements. Monitor the child's response to dietary changes, including weight gain and tolerance, to ensure effective treatment.
Protein Needs
Protein needs are assessed based on desired weight instead of actual weight for a child with failure to thrive. Needs may be above the recommended dietary intake for your child according to "American Family Physician." The Dietary Reference Intake for protein for children between the ages of 1 to 8 years old is between 13 and 19 g per day, according to the Institute of Medicine. Generally, a 1 oz. serving of meat provides 7 g protein. Needs will vary based on the cause of slow growth, so be sure to discuss it with your doctor or dietitian.
Sources of Protein
It may be difficult to get enough protein in your child's diet if he is a picky eater. Choose nutrient-dense foods like whole-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, nut butters, whole eggs and meat. Provide these items throughout the day in small portions to encourage your child to eat as much as possible. Include your child in the preparation of meals to get him or her excited about mealtime. Talk with your doctor or dietitian if your child refuses all protein sources.
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