Most people think that child malnutrition is a problem only in underdeveloped countries. It is true that the majority of deaths involving malnutrition happen in these countries, especially on the African continent. However, malnourished children are everywhere—even in so-called first world countries like the United States, Canada, England, among others1.

What is Child Malnutrition?

Child malnutrition is not characterized only by extreme thinness as many people think, but rather by a deficiency of nutrients in the body. Children with poor eating habits, living on fast food, sodas, and sweets, without consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals, can be malnourished. Usually, these children are overweight or show some degree of obesity, with a poor-quality diet being the main reason for childhood malnutrition in developed countries.

How Does Child Malnutrition Happen?

Child malnutrition occurs when a child’s body does not receive an adequate amount of nutrients, calories, and minerals2. All these essential components help in the growth process. Moreover, the intake of vital nutrients increases immunity levels and keeps the child protected from harmful infections. Another form of malnutrition can also occur if the child consumes an excessive amount of calories (overnutrition). It is important to maintain the right balance—an excess or lack of calories can lead to malnutrition. Child malnutrition leads to several health disorders. This deficiency affects physical health, behavior, mood, growth processes, and other bodily functions.

Types of Child Malnutrition

The most common types of malnutrition are:

Protein-Energy Malnutrition

Due to a deficiency of protein and glucose from foods, the child experiences this type of malnutrition. There are three subtypes of PEM:

  • Acute malnutrition – Acute malnutrition results in rapid weight loss or inability to gain weight normally
  • Chronic malnutrition – In chronic malnutrition, the child suffers from growth issues (stunting).
  • Acute and chronic malnutrition – When the child suffers from both acute and chronic malnutrition, they are underweight and experience numerous health problems.

Micronutrient deficiencies (vitamins and minerals)

The lack of certain micronutrients can lead to deficiencies in a child’s body. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals, and they need these nutrients for their bodies to perform proper bodily functions and growth processes.

Causes of Child Malnutrition

Usually, the lack of essential nutrients and minerals triggers malnutrition. This severely affects the quality of life and growth, and can result in numerous health disorders. Some of the most common causes are:

  1. Poor diet – Poor nutrition causes children to suffer from nutrient deficiencies.
  2. Mental health issues – Children with this condition may not follow proper eating habits. Children with mental illness such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia eat very little and suffer from malnutrition.
  3. Digestive disorders and stomach conditions – Due to digestive disorders, the child’s body can’t absorb the nutrients present in food. The body is deprived of vital nutrients and will consequently experience malnutrition.
    Some digestive disorders that can trigger child malnutrition include:
    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Ulcerative Colitis
    • Celiac Disease
    • Constant vomiting and diarrhea
  4. Diabetes – Due to increased blood sugar levels, the body of a diabetic child cannot absorb vital nutrients.
  5. Lack of breastfeeding – Breastfeeding helps babies stay healthy and disease-free. However, inadequate breastfeeding can make a child unhealthy and, over time, they may suffer from malnutrition.
  6. Food scarcity – Children who are deprived of regular meals. In countries that can’t produce enough food for their populations, malnutrition cases are the highest

Symptoms of Child Malnutrition

Some of the common symptoms of malnutrition are:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Depression
  • Loss of fat (adipose tissue)
  • Greater risk of hypothermia – abnormally low body temperature
  • Weakened immune system
  • Reduced muscle mass

Other symptoms include increased sensitivity to cold, slower wound healing and longer recovery from illnesses, as well as loss of concentration. In more severe cases, the child may present other symptoms such as:

  • Dry, pale, rough, and cold skin;
  • Dry and rough hair;
  • Hair loss;
  • Sunken cheeks;
  • Dark circles under the eyes

Due to calorie deficiency, the child may experience heart, respiratory, or liver failure.

Effects of Malnutrition in Children

Child malnutrition can result in several complications, including:

  • Low immunity – Child malnutrition makes the immune system weak and susceptible to infectious diseases.
  • Growth problems – Nutritional deficiency combined with infections slows down the growth process completely.
  • Specific nutrient deficiencies – The lack of certain specific nutrients can cause multiple health problems in children.
  • Organ failure – Severe child malnutrition causes organ dysfunction. Some of the most affected organs by nutritional deficiency are the liver, heart, and kidneys.
  • Onset of Harmful Diseases – Some diseases triggered by child malnutrition include gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. In cases of overnutrition, obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some specific types of cancer are the diseases that can affect the child.

Child malnutrition can also lead to other adverse effects such as:

  • Delayed behavioral development;
  • Mental retardation;
  • Sarcopenia, or constant loss of body mass;
  • Learning difficulties;
  • Growth problems (stunting);
  • Reduced problem-solving abilities;
  • Reduced social skills;
  • Attention deficit disorder
  • Digestive disorders
  • Impaired language development
  • Severe weight loss

How is Child Malnutrition Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of child malnutrition is based on physical examinations. That is, the doctor checks the child’s weight and height and compares them with a chart that lists weight and height expected by age. If extremely underweight, it indicates the child suffers from nutritional deficiencies. Other medical exams may be recommended, such as thyroid function testing, calcium, zinc, and vitamin levels, as well as a complete blood count.

Treatment for Child Malnutrition

During the initial stage of child malnutrition, the child can receive appropriate treatment by adopting specific procedures at home. The guidance of a nutritionist is essential at this stage, as they will assess the child’s dietary patterns and make the appropriate changes. The main goal is to improve the nutritional intake of the growing child. This helps improve their immune system and prevents acute malnutrition. In more severe cases such as acute malnutrition, the specialist treats the specific health disorder3. If the child suffers from digestive disorders, the doctor prescribes effective medications. Nasogastric tube feeding helps patients with severe malnutrition acquire vital nutrients. If the child suffers from an extreme malnutrition condition, the doctor will suggest this treatment. If the child suffers from chronic malnutrition, the doctor suggests regular clinical therapy as a preventive measure. In addition, the child needs to take nutrients, vitamins, and mineral supplements regularly.

How to Prevent Child Malnutrition?

Prevention of malnutrition is basically about healthy eating, so some measures should be adopted, such as:

  • Encourage the child to eat nutrient-rich foods
  • Restrict foods that are harmful to health.
  • Offer the child small meals at regular intervals.
  • Encourage physical activity and sports participation

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