Malnutrition, or the imbalances between the energy and calories we need and receive, can have a huge impact on children. In this article, we’ll discuss the effects of malnutrition on child development.
Medically reviewed by Regina Victoria Boyles, MD · Pediatrics
Malnutrition, or the imbalances between the energy and calories we need and receive, can have a huge impact on children. In this article, we’ll discuss the effects of malnutrition on child development.
Before we move further into the effects of malnutrition in child development, let’s first emphasize that there are several forms of malnutrition.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the following types:
Depending on the type, the effects of malnutrition in childhood also varies.
Initially, malnutrition will bring evident weight changes. Undernourished kids will most likely be underweight, while kids who consume too much calories while having very little physical activity will probably have a higher-than-normal body mass index (BMI).
In the long run, malnutrition might lead to the following consequences:
Unaddressed, malnutrition, more specifically undernutrition, can lead to numerous health problems, including:
Specific micronutrient deficiencies might also lead to various symptoms or conditions like:
Finally, children who are overweight or have obesity have an increased risk of developing severe long-term conditions like cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke, and diabetes.
The effects of malnutrition in child development also extend to mental health.
Did you know that malnutrition can lead to mental health problems like anxiety, depression, self-neglect, and introversion?
Any of these conditions can eventually result in the deterioration of social interaction.
Of course, we cannot discount the fact that malnutrition also influences the child’s academic performance.
Reports state that young children who experience stunting in the first 2 years of their lives may have lower cognitive test scores and higher absenteeism and re-enrollment rates.
Deficiencies in certain nutrients can also result in faster neuron loss, which might cause impairment in speech and memory. Moreover, inadequate intake of protein, zinc, iron, and vitamin B can cause lower intelligence quotients (IQ).
The first step in the prevention of malnutrition is to identify its cause.
The causes of malnutrition in kids vary; undernutrition, for instance, may result from financial constraints. On the other hand, micronutrient deficiencies and overweight and obesity can happen when children do not have a balanced diet.
Bringing your child to the pediatrician is the best way to diagnose an issue. In case your child needs a balanced diet, they can help you make a healthy meal plan. Similarly, if your little one has a condition that affects nutrient absorption, they will be able to address it, too.
Generally, you can prevent the effects of malnutrition in child development by:
Learn more about Childhood Malnutrition here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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