Signs Of Malnutrition In Babies

Malnutrition in children refers to inadequate or excess consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals required for an individual’s normal functioning. A common misconception about malnourishment is that it only refers to undernutrition; however, overnutrition is a sign of malnourishment as well. So, let’s know more about the signs of malnutrition in children, causes, symptoms, and treatment.

What Is Malnutrition In Children?

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Malnutrition occurs when kids don’t get enough calories, protein, or micronutrients to stay healthy. This sign of malnutrition in children has irreparable immediate and long-term health consequences and is widespread worldwide.

There can be numerous causes of malnourishment in children. These include:

• Infectious diseases
• Inadequate maternal healthcare during pregnancy
• Improper child health services
• Untimely detection of underlying health concerns
• Negligence of baby nutrition after birth
• Lack of sanitation leads to conditions that could cause malnutrition
• Social causes like poverty and gender bias (neglect of the girl child)

Malnutrition Symptoms

Most malnutrition symptoms in children are pretty evident. Some of the signs you may get to see in malnourished children are:

Marasmus

Marasmus refers to the loss of fat and muscle. This condition causes the child’s skin to become discoloured and turn dark. The child will also suffer from rapid hair loss and, due to the lack of fat under the skin, the skin will appear loose and thin. Marasmus also leads to limited physical movement and other characteristic symptoms of weakness.

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a result of protein deficiency and occurs in severely malnourished children. In this condition, extreme fluid accumulation in the body leads to the appearance of a highly swollen tummy. This condition is accompanied by decreased energy levels and dark patches on the skin.

Slow Growth

Malnourished (underfed) babies will often display stunted growth or a slower growth rate compared to healthy children of their age group. Since adequate nourishment crucial to physical development is not provided, the child will also have lower stamina.

Other malnutrition symptoms include:

• Increased Irritability.
• Lack of interest in activities.
• Poorly coordinated movements.
• Rapid weight loss or weight gain.
• Prolonged periods of sleep.

These are usually the first malnutrition symptoms. Malnourished children and babies tend to cry too much and experience indigestion. Deficiency of a particular nutrient will also show slightly different symptoms such as bleeding gums, tooth decay, and skin issues. Edema is a severe condition and indicates malnutrition, and this condition needs immediate medical attention.

Being Overweight & Obesity

An often neglected type of malnourishment, being overweight can rapidly progress to being obese in children. This usually lays the foundation for adult obesity and increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. If your child looks too chubby, he is probably overweight or obese and not ‘healthy’. Charting weight against height and age on standard growth charts can quickly tell you where your child stands as per the global average and if you need to control what he eats. Sugary foods, processed and packaged foods, and artificially sweetened beverages are often the culprits that you must curtail and eliminate from the child’s diet if necessary.

Signs Of Malnutrition In Children

Here we bring you some of the significant signs of malnutrition in children that you shouldn’t avoid watching.

Weight Loss, Slow Weight Gain, or Underweight

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Some children do not acquire weight at a typical rate, either due to predicted genetic abnormalities or due to malnutrition, showing the effects of malnutrition in children.

Not Growing Longer or Taller

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Protein is the most significant nutrient for gaining height in childhood. Moreover, minerals such as calcium and vitamins A and D have a drastic impact on gaining height. So, if these nutrients and minerals are deficient in kids, it could lead to malnutrition, resulting in slow height growth. So, don’t avoid this symptom of malnutrition in children.

Eating Less Than Usual

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A lack of appetite or a desire to eat or drink, Irritability and exhaustion, and a lack of capacity to focus are the causes of malnutrition in children. If a kid doesn’t eat nutritious food, they may start experiencing a loss of appetite and sudden mood changes in childhood.

Not Eating Well Due to Stomach Problems

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Low quantities of amino acids in the body and lack of protein in the diet can cause diarrhoea, irritated intestines, and other immune system diseases. These causes of malnutrition in children can further weaken the body and can be harmful to digestive systems.

Less Active or Less Playful

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Severe malnutrition might impact more than just a child’s physical development. Stunted children can have inferior cognitive abilities, and many of them even can exhibit indifference and other behavioural issues like extreme aggressiveness and losing physical strengths.

Treatment Of Malnutrition

You can treat malnutrition in children and babies if diagnosed at the right time. Malnutrition symptoms are quite easily detectable, and the doctor will confirm the condition with a physical exam and diagnostic tests if necessary.

The treatment of malnutrition in children depends upon the cause. After proper assessment, your doctor will usually provide you with a detailed diet plan to help the baby recover.

Related Articles:

Importance Of Maternal Nutrition For The Baby: The mother’s nutrition plays a key role in maternal and child health. Here’s the essence of maternal nutrition for the baby.

First 1000 Days Of Life An Epitome Of Opportunity For A Baby’s Brain: When it comes to a baby’s healthy mind and body, it takes approx 2 years to form their mind. Must know how the first 1000 days are an opportunity for the baby’s brain.

Iodine An Essential Nutrient For A Healthy Pregnancy: Here’s know-how iodine plays a major role during pregnancy.

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