Protein deficiency malnutrition in children

Fasting, dieting for weight loss, or other reasons for insufficient nutrient intake, such as a disorder that makes eating or absorbing food difficult, or a significantly increased calorie requirement during periods of rapid growth, can all lead to malnutrition.

Malnutrition is an imbalance between the nutrients the body needs and the nutrients it receives. Therefore, in addition to deficiencies, malnutrition also includes overnutrition (consuming too many calories or too much of specific nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements). For children, poor or improper feeding is a risk factor for malnutrition, affecting their development.

1. Signs of malnutrition in children

Doctors can usually diagnose malnutrition based on a person's appearance, height, weight, and condition (including information about diet and weight loss).

Malnutrition often manifests itself clearly: Children may be underweight, have protruding bones, dry, inelastic skin, and dry, easily falling hair. They may not grow or gain weight as expected (slow growth); exhibit behavioral changes, such as irritability, lethargy, or unusual anxiety; and have lower energy levels and are more easily fatigued than other children.

Symptoms of malnutrition in children may include:

Lack of interest in food or drink. Always feeling cold. Frequently getting sick and having longer recovery times. Slow behavioral and intellectual development, learning difficulties...

2. Low in calories andboatcausing malnutrition

Protein-energy malnutrition is a severe deficiency of protein and calories that occurs when a person does not consume enough protein and calories for an extended period. Starvation is the most severe form of protein-energy malnutrition. It results from a complete lack of nutrients over a prolonged period.

Malnutrition is often considered a primary deficiency in calories (meaning overall food intake) or protein. According to Dr. Le Thi Loan from the Institute of Nutrition, protein has been identified as the most important substance or element of life, serving as the structural building block for tissues in the body, the main component of antibodies that help the body fight infections, perform immune functions, and contribute to both physical and intellectual development.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are often considered separate disorders. However, when calorie intake is insufficient, vitamin and mineral deficiencies may also occur.

3. Main types of malnutrition

Malnutrition progresses in stages. When insufficient calories are consumed, the body first breaks down its own fat and uses it for calories—much like "burning materials" to keep warm indoors. After exhausting its fat reserves, the body may break down other tissues, such as muscle and tissues in internal organs, leading to serious problems, including death.

Protein-energy malnutrition has three main forms:

Marasmus:A severe deficiency in calories and protein. It tends to develop in infants and young children, often leading to weight loss, loss of muscle and fat, and dehydration. Breastfeeding often protects against marasmus.

Kwashiorkor:A severe deficiency where protein intake far exceeds calorie intake. Kwashiorkor is less common than marasmus.

Kwashiorkor tends to be confined to certain regions of the world where staple foods and weaning foods are deficient in protein despite providing sufficient calories in the form of carbohydrates. Examples of such foods include yams, cassava, rice, sweet potatoes, and green plantains. However, anyone can develop kwashiorkor if their diet consists primarily of carbohydrates. People with kwashiorkor retain fluid, making them appear puffy and swollen. If kwashiorkor is severe, the abdomen may protrude.

Marasmic kwashiorkor:This condition occurs when a child with kwashiorkor does not consume enough calories. Children with this disorder retain fluid, while muscle and fat tissue are wasted.

4. Consequences of malnutrition in children

According to UNICEF, globally, at least 13.6 million children under 5 years old suffer from severe malnutrition, which accounts for one-fifth of all deaths in children under 5, making it one of the leading threats to children's survival. A severely malnourished child is 11 times more likely to die from common childhood illnesses like pneumonia than a healthy child, the leading infectious cause of death in children worldwide.

Malnourished children have higher mortality and morbidity rates. One factor affecting cognitive development is nutrition. According to one study, childhood is particularly susceptible to nutritional deficiencies due to the rapid brain development during this period.

Studies have reported poor motor skills, adaptive behaviors, language, and social skills in malnourished children. Various types of cognitive impairment have been reported in malnourished children. Malnutrition is also associated with deficits in memory, visual-motor coordination, and social skills. Furthermore, reduced IQ scores are associated with the severity of malnutrition.