Maternal and Pediatric Nutrition
Open Access

Effects of Malnutrition on Child Health

James Geurdes^{* *}Correspondence: James Geurdes, Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China, Email:

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Description

Malnutrition has become a major health problem related to child health, primarily in developing countries (second and third world countries). Malnutrition is a condition in which dietary foods cannot provide the essential nutrients needed for proper growth and development around the world. Malnutrition can be considered undernourished or over nourished if the body is not getting the right amount of nutrients, including the right amount of micronutrients, and this is causing malnutrition. Infants, toddlers, and teens need additional nutrients and are more susceptible to malnutrition. Malnutrition primarily affects children under the age of five living in low and middle-income households, and it includes stunting, exhaustion, and kwashiorkor, with severe exhaustion and kwashiorkor referred to as severe acute malnutrition. Severe malnutrition is intended to explain these states: invasive inadequate sanitation and hygiene, high prevalence of infectious diseases and environmental stress, food insecurity, maternal and child nutrition. These are influenced by the three fundamental determinants that report focuses on: food security, maternal and child care. The determinants can be divided into three levels of causality for malnutrition in children. H. Immediate, underlying, and basic. The effects of malnutrition have been seen in people of all countries. About 1.9 billion adults are overweight. It is estimated that by the age of five, 41 million children are overweight or obese.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of malnutrition include loss of appetite and interest in food and drink, malaise and irritation, loss of concentration, constant cooling sensations, depression, fat, muscle mass, loss of body tissue, and nutrition. There is a high risk of developing malnutrition. The longer the wound heals and the higher the risk of post-surgery complications. Finally, people may also experience dyspnea and heart failure. Children may experience the following: stunting and underweight; malaise and lack of energy; irritability and anxiety; slow behavior and intellectual development; and possibly learning disabilities.

Causes

Low intake of food

Some people develop malnutrition because they do not have enough food or because they have problems consuming or absorbing nutrients. It can occur as a result of cancer, liver disease, or a medical condition that causes nausea or makes it difficult to eat or swallow. For example, some medications make eating difficult due to nausea. Oral problems such as denture incompatibility can also contribute to malnutrition.

Mental health conditions

Malnutrition can affect people with depression, dementia, schizophrenia, and anorexia nervosa.

Social and mobility problems

Factors that may have an effect on a person's eating behaviour and almost certainly result in malnutrition include: being unable to leave the house or access a store to shop for food; finding it physically difficult to prepare meals; residing alone; which may have an effect on a person's motivation to prepare dinner and eat; having limited cooking abilities; and not having enough money to spend on food.

Digestive disorders and stomach conditions

A healthy diet cannot prevent malnutrition unless the body absorbs nutrients efficiently. Examples of gastrointestinal and gastric conditions are that cause Crohn's disease ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, persistent diarrhea and vomiting.

Alcohol use disorder

Drinking a lot of alcohol can lead to gastritis and long-term damage to the pancreas. These problems can make it difficult to digest food, absorb vitamins, and produce hormones that regulate metabolism. Alcohol also contains calories, so you may not feel hungry after drinking. As a result, you may not be eating enough healthy foods to provide your body with essential nutrients.

Risk factors

Food shortages can cause widespread and long-term malnutrition in some parts of the world. However, in wealthier countries, the risk of malnutrition is highest for the elderly, especially those with movement disorders, health problems, or other factors; low-income people; recovery from serious illness or condition or life; absorption of nutrients; people with difficult eating disorders; and chronic eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.

Treatment

When a doctor diagnoses malnutrition, the person may also need to meet with a nutritionist or other health care provider. Treatment depends on the severity of malnutrition and the presence of other underlying conditions or complications. This includes continuous screening and monitoring, taking supplements, treating certain symptoms such as nausea, treating possible infections, testing for oral or swallowing problems, and suggesting alternative tableware. This includes the creation of a nutrition plan.

Prevention

To prevent malnutrition, people need to consume different nutrients from different foods. Elderly people, toddlers, people with serious or chronic illnesses, and others may need special attention to ensure that they get the nutrients they need. People who are malnourished or show signs of malnutrition should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The prospect and time required for recovery depends on the cause of malnutrition, but effective treatment is usually available in the United States.