What are the effects of malnutrition?

What are the effects of malnutrition?

The consequences of prolonged malnutrition are sequentially altered cellular metabolism, impaired function, and finally, loss of body tissues (2). Clinically, malnutrition is often associated with muscular dysfunction and weakness and altered immunity resulting in an increased risk of infection (3–5).

How does malnutrition affect children’s growth?

Under-nutrition reduces immunological capacity to defend against diseases, and recurrent infections, in turn reduce and deprive the body from essential nutrients. This leads to the dismal growth of children which adversely affect child’s mental and physical development and, learning capacity in future life.

What causes child malnutrition?

Malnutrition is not only about lack of food; a combination of other causes lead to malnutrition in children, including: diet at home, illnesses such as malaria and water-borne diseases, limited access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure, and knowledge about safe hygiene practices, lack of access to health …

When is a child malnourished?

Symptoms of malnutrition in a child can include: not growing or putting on weight at the expected rate (faltering growth) changes in behaviour, such as being unusually irritable, slow or anxious. low energy levels and tiring more easily than other children.

What are the signs of malnutrition in a child?

FIVE WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD IS MALNOURISHED

  • Weight Loss, Slow Weight Gain, or Underweight. Children gain weight at different rates.
  • Not Growing Longer or Taller.
  • Eating Less Than Usual.
  • Not Eating Well Due to Stomach Problems.
  • Less Active or Less Playful.

What are the 5 causes of malnutrition?

Multiple factors including land and crop degradation, periodic droughts and weather-related shocks, poverty, limited access to basic food staples and essential services, and population growth, contribute to emergency levels of malnutrition in the region.

What are the signs of malnutrition in children?

Rapid weight loss.

  • Low appetite.
  • Chronic fatigue and weakness.
  • A child who is significantly smaller and shorter than would be expected for their age and sex.
  • Being more vulnerable to opportunistic infections,characterized by getting sick often.
  • Bleeding gums.
  • Swollen abdomens.
  • Skin rashes and easy bruising.
  • Achy joints and muscles.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • What are the negative effects of malnutrition?

    Overweight and Obesity. Eating a healthy diet,along with getting enough physical activity and sleep,can help children grow up healthy and prevent overweight and obesity.

  • Heart Disease and Stroke. Two of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
  • Type 2 Diabetes.
  • Cancer.
  • Deficits in Brain Function.
  • How does malnutrition affect children?

    Low weight-for-height is known as wasting. It is mostly an acute condition associated with recent and severe weight loss.

  • Low height-for-age is known as stunting. It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition.
  • Low weight-for-age is known as underweight. Children who are underweight may experience stunting and wasting,but they may not.
  • How to prevent and treat malnutrition?

    dietary changes,such as eating foods high in energy and nutrients

  • support for families to help them manage factors affecting the child’s nutritional intake
  • treatment for any underlying medical conditions causing malnutrition
  • vitamin and mineral supplements