Malnutrition: A Comprehensive Overview of Causes and Remedies

Malnutrition is defined by the WHO as the imbalance between the supply of nutrients and energy and the body's requirements to live and grow.

A child may be malnourished because he does not eat what he needs (typical of developing countries) or because his intestine does not absorb it or loses it excessively (malabsorption syndrome, typical of developed countries).

Types of malnutrition

Three types can be distinguished:

• Marasmus: it is an insufficient intake of protein and calories;
• Kwashiorkor: sufficient calorie intake and deficient in protein. Both marasmus and kwashiorkor are very serious situations typical of developing countries;
• Undernourishment: it is less serious and usually occurs in developed countries. Undernutrition is the deficit of micronutrients (vitamins D, A, B, trace elements or minerals, such as iron) due to a poorly varied or balanced diet.

Causes of undernourishment

• Insufficient intake of nutrients (non-varied diet);
• Ignorance of infant feeding guidelines;
• Cystic fibrosis;
• Long infections;
• Chronic renal failure;
• Cancer and chemotherapy;
• Lead poisoning;
• Congenital heart disease.

Prevention of undernourishment

• From pregnancy, the mother must follow an adequate diet that guarantees correct nutrition of the fetus;
• Promotion of breastfeeding;
• Introduction of foods when advised by the Pediatrician.

Treatment

It will be the Pediatrician who will evaluate each child to give the supplements they need and advise a balanced diet.

When to consult the Pediatrician

• Significant weight loss;
• Weak and brittle hair and nails;
• Loss of muscle mass;
• Prolonged diarrhea.