Malnutrition in children; The best methods of prevention and treatment

7/11/2024
7 minutes

Malnutrition in children is one of the serious and challenging issues in public health that has profound effects on their physical and mental development. This condition occurs due to insufficient or unbalanced intake of nutrients. This issue not only affects the child's physical health, but will have long-term consequences on their learning ability, academic progress and ultimately their future. By raising awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and identifying the signs of malnutrition in the early stages, children can be helped to follow a healthy and productive path in life.

What is malnutrition in children?

Malnutrition in children refers to a condition caused by insufficient or inappropriate intake of nutrients and leads to serious problems in their growth and health. This type of malnutrition usually occurs due to lack of protein, vitamins and minerals and causes weight loss, impaired physical growth, weak immune system and increased risk of infections. Symptoms of malnutrition include low energy, fatigue, vision problems, and changes in skin and hair. If you see these symptoms in your child to The best pediatrician to review Refer to the exact problem.

Types of malnutrition in children

Malnutrition occurs when a child does not receive enough nutrients. This category includes the following:

Protein and energy deficiency: This type of malnutrition is usually observed in areas with extreme poverty and limited access to nutritious foods and leads to diseases.
Vitamin A deficiency: leads to vision problems and weak immune system.
Vitamin D deficiency: leads to soft bones.
Iron deficiency: causes anemia and leads to weakness and fatigue.
Iodine deficiency: leads to thyroid problems and impaired brain development.

Causes of malnutrition in children

Malnutrition in children can be caused by several factors that directly or indirectly affect their nutritional status. Below are the main causes of malnutrition in children:

Economic poverty:

One of the main causes of malnutrition in children is poverty. Families who are financially disadvantaged cannot access nutritious and varied food. This lack of financial resources leads to the consumption of cheap and low-quality foods, which usually lack essential nutrients.

Inadequate awareness and training:

Parents' lack of knowledge about children's nutritional needs and correct feeding practices leads to malnutrition. Some parents are not aware of the importance of food diversity and nutrients and therefore do not manage their children's diet properly.

Health problems:

Diseases and health problems also affect the condition of baby nutrition and the child. Chronic diseases, infections, and digestive disorders lead to decreased appetite, improper absorption of nutrients, and as a result malnutrition.

Cultural and social factors:

Some cultural beliefs affect the food choices of families. In some cultures, some foods are given less attention due to religious or social restrictions, and this issue leads to a lack of diversity in the diet.

Psychological concerns:

Psychological pressures such as anxiety and depression of parents or children themselves affect their eating habits. This leads to overeating, lack of appetite or choosing unhealthy foods.

Improper diet:

High consumption of processed, sweet and fatty foods and lack of fruits and vegetables lead to malnutrition. This type of diet usually contains high calories but does not provide enough nutrients.

Lack of nutritional planning:

Some families, due to lack of time or knowledge, cannot have a proper plan for the healthy nutrition of their children. This issue leads to an imbalance in the diet and lack of nutrients.

Lack of health and support services:

Lack of health services and child nutrition consultations in communities has a negative impact on the nutritional status of children. Lack of access to nutrition counseling and support programs leads to the continuation of malnutrition.

What are the symptoms of malnutrition in children?

Malnutrition in children occurs in different forms and its symptoms are different depending on the type of malnutrition. Below are the common symptoms of malnutrition in children:

Weight loss or severe emaciation: One of the most obvious symptoms of malnutrition is a lack of protein and energy. Children become extremely thin and their weight is lower than normal for their height.
Improper growth: Not getting enough nutrients leads to impaired physical growth. These children are shorter than their peers and cannot reach the appropriate weight and height for their age.
Weakness and fatigue: Malnourished children suffer from general weakness and excessive fatigue, which affects their daily activities.
Changes in skin and hair: children experience dry skin, hair loss or changes in hair color and texture.
Dental problems: Calcium and vitamin D deficiency leads to dental problems and osteoporosis.

Prevention of child malnutrition

Preventing malnutrition in children is an important goal in maintaining public health and improving their quality of life. To achieve this goal, there are several effective strategies and methods:

Education of families: Parents' and caregivers' awareness of the importance of healthy eating and children's nutritional needs has a significant impact on preventing malnutrition. Holding educational courses and nutrition workshops will help families to have accurate information about nutrients, food balance and appropriate choices.

Dietary diversity: Encouraging families to provide diverse diets including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat proteins, and dairy products helps meet the nutritional needs of children. Variety of food makes children get different nutrients.

Access to healthy foods: Improving access to healthy and nutritious foods in communities, especially in low-income areas, is of great importance. This includes creating local markets, helping local food production and providing healthy food in schools.

Encouraging physical activity: regular physical activity and movement games should be promoted as part of children's daily life. Exercise and physical activities help to control the child's weight and overall health.

Monitoring growth and nutritional status: Regular medical examinations and monitoring the child's growth help to identify nutritional problems early. Doctors and nutritionists perform preventive measures by checking the child's weight and height and providing the necessary advice.

Creating healthy eating habits: Encouraging healthy eating habits from an early age has long-term positive effects on children's eating behaviors. For example, having family meals and encouraging people to sit down and eat slowly can help build healthy eating habits.

Supporting nutrition programs: Supporting nutrition programs in schools and child care centers helps provide nutritious meals to children. These programs should include balanced and healthy meals.

Using nutritional supplements when needed: In some cases, the use of nutritional supplements is necessary to meet the special needs of children, especially in situations where access to nutritious foods is limited. This should be done under the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist.

Treatment of child malnutrition

The treatment of children's malnutrition includes several main steps that help improve their nutritional status and growth. First, it is necessary to identify and assess the type and severity of malnutrition. Then, diet modification is done by focusing on consuming foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. In this regard, nutritional counseling for families and their training on preparing nutritious and varied foods is important. In some cases, food and drug supplements are also prescribed. Also, regular follow-up of the child's growth and health is necessary in order to evaluate the effect of treatment and prevent future problems.