Malnutrition in children can have a negative impact on growth and development. Therefore, parents must understand the causes and symptoms of malnourished children, so they can prevent it.
Malnourished children can be caused by macronutrient deficiencies, namely carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; or micronutrients, which are vitamins and minerals. Malnutrition can make a child experience growth disorders, such as underweight, short stature, even experiencing growth failure.
Various Causes of Childhood Malnutrition
In general, malnutrition in children is caused by inadequate daily nutritional needs. This condition can be caused by the following factors:
1. Ignorance of parents about nutrition
Lack of parental knowledge about healthy eating and balanced nutrition is the most common cause of malnutrition in children. If a parent does not know the type and amount of nutrients a child needs, the nutritional intake provided may not be sufficient for the child's needs so he becomes malnourished.
2. Low socioeconomic level
Poor family socioeconomic conditions can also be a cause of children experiencing malnutrition. This is because if the portion and type of food does not meet nutritional needs for a long time, the child will experience malnutrition.
However, this can be tricked by knowing complete nutritious food sources that are easily found. This food source does not need to be expensive, but it is maintained clean.
3. Poor environmental hygiene
Unclean environment can also cause children to experience malnutrition, because a dirty environment can make children stricken with various diseases. This can cause absorption of nutrients is inhibited, even though food intake is good.
4. Suffer from certain diseases
Apart from food, malnourished children can also be caused by an illness or medical condition, especially digestive tract diseases that make it difficult for the child's body to digest or absorb food. Examples are celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and inflammation of the intestine.
In addition, congenital heart disease and infectious diseases, such as pulmonary TB, can also cause children to experience malnutrition.
Early Symptoms of Malnutrition in Children
Some of the following symptoms can be experienced by children who are malnourished:
- The child's weight and height are under the growth curve
- Lack of appetite
- Growth is late
- Easily feeling tired and looking lethargic
- More fussy
- Lack of attention to the surrounding environment
- Dry skin and hair
- Hair falls out easily
- Cheeks and eyes look sunken
- Reduced fat and muscle tissue
- Mouth and gums are easily injured
- Susceptible to infection due to decreased immune system
- The wound healing process is slow
In addition, the development of malnourished children will also be disrupted. Children can even experience learning difficulties when their nutritional needs are not met.
Immediately consult a doctor if your child experiences early signs of malnutrition. The doctor will calculate the child's body mass index and conduct supporting examinations to find out whether the child is malnourished or not.
If the results show that the child is malnourished, the doctor will find out the cause and provide comprehensive care for the child, including medication and dietary regulation.
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