CHILD MALNUTRITION IS MORE COMPLEX THAN IT SEEMS
Malnutrition is a major cause of death in children under five and leads to serious effects like stunted growth, poor memory, and digestive disorders.
11/18/2024 9:06:12 AM
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is a severe global health threat. Shockingly, 45% of deaths in children under five are due to malnutrition. So, what causes malnutrition, and how can it be prevented?
The stunting rate among children in Vietnam remains high at approximately 24.3%
What Is Malnutrition in Children?
Malnutrition occurs when a child’s body lacks protein, energy, or essential micronutrients, either from insufficient food intake or illness. There are two main types of malnutrition:
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Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
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Micronutrient Deficiencies (vitamins and minerals)
2. What Causes Malnutrition in Children?
Malnutrition in children can stem from one or more of the following:
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Poor quality or insufficient quantity of food
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Poor nutrient absorption
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Early cessation of breastfeeding or inadequate complementary feeding
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Food aversion from being pressured to eat
Forcing children to eat is a common mistake when they show signs of poor appetite.
3. How to Recognize Malnutrition in Children
Growth Delay: A lack of expected growth or weight gain can be a sign of malnutrition, though growth rates vary with age. For instance, before age one, children grow very quickly, gaining up to 7–8 kg per year. After one year, the growth rate slows, which is normal. Parents can track growth using WHO growth charts and seek medical advice if the growth curve flattens or declines.
Other Warning Signs: Pale skin, fatigue, poor appetite, undigested stools, digestive issues, frequent illnesses, and low immunity can all indicate malnutrition.
4. Why Is Malnutrition Dangerous for Children?
Weakened Immune System: Lack of key micronutrients (such as zinc, iron, and vitamins) weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to infections—the leading cause of death in children.
Physical and Cognitive Delays: Malnutrition impairs both physical growth and mental development. Gastrointestinal infections exacerbate malnutrition, making it harder for children to absorb essential nutrients.
Other Health Issues: Micronutrient deficiencies harm health. Iron deficiency causes anemia, poor appetite, and fatigue. Vitamin A deficiency impairs vision. Protein and zinc deficiencies hinder bone growth.
Malnutrition may cause a child to be shorter than peers.
5. How to Prevent and Address Malnutrition in Children
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Malnutrition in children can be prevented and managed. Here are some helpful tips:
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Nutrition During Pregnancy: A child’s risk of malnutrition often starts in the womb if the mother lacks nutrients, so it's essential to follow a balanced diet and regular prenatal check-ups.
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Breastfeeding: Breast milk is ideal for infants, providing all necessary nutrients, so exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months is recommended.
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Age-Appropriate Nutrition: Children have specific nutritional needs at each stage of growth, so providing adequate nutrients for their age is crucial.
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Encouraging Physical Activity: Movement promotes energy use and healthy growth. Physical activities can also boost appetite, contributing to a healthy weight.
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Creating a Positive Mealtime Atmosphere: One of the hardest forms of picky eating to address is psychological. Avoid pressuring your child to eat. Instead, make mealtime enjoyable and try to introduce variety in meals to spark their natural appetite.
6. Effective Screening for Malnutrition and Micronutrient Deficiency at CarePlus International Clinics
Each child has unique dietary needs based on individual preferences, growth history, and eating habits. Standard nutritional advice is often generic, so the best way to understand your child’s health is through personalized screening.
The Comprehensive Screening Package at CarePlus Clinics offers parents an optimal solution. Through a combination of tests, diet assessments, and developmental history reviews, this screening helps parents understand if their child is malnourished and to what extent.
One highlight is the CarePlus 24h Recall Assessment, a detailed evaluation of dietary habits that identifies dietary gaps and provides targeted solutions. This unique approach is available exclusively at CarePlus Clinics Vietnam.
For more details on malnutrition or other health packages for children, visit CarePlus at careplusvn.com, the CarePlus Clinic Vietnam Fanpage, or contact our hotline at 1800 6116.