What are the causes of malnutrition in kids?

Malnutrition in kids is a global concern with more children experiencing malnourishment each year, even in developed countries. A child can be malnourished even if you feed them daily, as malnutrition happens when a diet is imbalanced or due to excessive intake of the same nutrients.

When a kid is experiencing malnutrition, it affects their growth and behaviour. Other effects of malnutrition in kids include anxiety, fatigue, and sugar cravings. Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are some of the health diseases related to malnutrition.

But what are the causes of malnourished kids? Here are some reasons why a child can experience malnutrition:

Poor, irregular diet

A child should consume a healthy and balanced diet consisting of all the nutrients on the food pyramid. Without an adequate supply of nutrition, it can cause malnutrition, which also leads to other health diseases.

Lack of breastfeeding

A benefit of breastfeeding is providing the ideal nutrition such as vitamins, protein and fat for infants. If a mother doesn’t breastfeed her child, she has to make sure she has to provide the nutrients in another way.

Mental health problems

Children with mental health problems like anorexia nervosa or bulimia may not be able to follow a proper diet, as they don’t have the appetite to eat. Without proper nutrients, a child will experience malnutrition.

Stomach conditions and digestive disorders

A child can’t absorb nutrients in food if he has digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. On the other hand, a child can also lose nutrients if he vomits or has diarrhoea due to health problems or stressful conditions.

Conclusion

If you’re suspecting your child to be malnourished, consult a doctor immediately. Taking a blood test is one of the procedures to determine malnutrition in kids.

Visit https://pediasure.com.my/watchMeGrow/malnutrition-in-children for more effects of malnutrition in kids.