What is Pediatric Malnutrition?
Malnutrition Awareness Week is September 16th – 20th, and Sentido Health is dedicated to raising awareness about this critical global issue affecting people of all ages. This year, we aim to inform parents and caregivers about the causes, symptoms, and effects of pediatric malnutrition, providing essential information for those seeking education.
Understanding Malnutrition
Malnutrition occurs when a person receives too little or too much of one or more nutrients altering normal growth and development patterns and metabolic processes. Despite the abundance of resources available in developed countries, malnutrition is widespread and affects one in every three people worldwide. This condition can be particularly harmful to children, whose growth and development are vital.
Types of Malnutrition
Undernutrition: Results from insufficient intake of calories, protein, or essential micronutrients.
Overnutrition: Results from excessive consumption of calories, protein, or micronutrients.
For pediatrics, both forms of malnutrition can severely impact a child's growth and development. Undernourished children lack sufficient intake of macronutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and/or fat and often have low levels of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine. Overnourished children, particularly those who are overweight or obese, can also suffer from micronutrient deficiencies due to diets high in calories and fat but low in essential nutrients that are acquired through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. In the United States, malnutrition from undernourishment is declining but malnutrition from over nourishment is on the rise.
Causes of Pediatric Malnutrition
Pediatric Malnutrition can stem from various factors, including food insecurity, limited access to nutrient-rich foods, medical conditions or illnesses, and a lack of nutrition knowledge or healthy eating habits. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 U.S. households with children struggle with food insecurity, which often leads to malnutrition and developmental challenges. Medically complex children, even those receiving sufficient calories, may struggle with nutrient absorption and be at risk for nutrient deficiencies.
Common Causes of Pediatric Undernutrition and Overnutrition:
Food Insecurity: Limited access to sufficient food.
Limited Access to Nutritious Foods: Scarcity of nutrient-rich options.
Medical Conditions: Disorders, illnesses, or diseases that affect swallowing, eating, nutrient absorption, or metabolism.
Lack of Nutrition Knowledge: Insufficient understanding of balanced diets.
Unhealthy Eating Patterns: Irregular meals, under or over-consumption of food, and unbalanced food choices.
Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Malnutrition
Children experiencing undernutrition may not always appear underweight. Signs to watch for include:
Pale, thick, dry skin
Hair loss
Muscle wasting
Easy bruising
Stunted growth
Weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Mood changes
Poor concentration
Overnutrition often presents as overweight or obesity, coupled with micronutrient deficiencies, due to diets high in calories and low in essential nutrients.
Potential Effects of Pediatric Malnutrition
Pediatric malnutrition’s effects can be long-lasting and, in some cases, irreversible. Stunted growth from protein deficiency, for example, may permanently affect adult height potential and increase the risk of chronic health issues like heart disease. Additionally, undernutrition can impair cognitive development, leading to reduced learning capabilities and lower IQ. Overnutrition can also impact overall health and lead to the development of chronic health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Malnourished Children:
Vitamin A: Causes dry eyes, night blindness, and increased infection risk.
Zinc: Results in appetite loss, stunted growth, slow healing, hair loss, and diarrhea.
Iron: Impacts brain function, body temperature regulation, and digestion.
Iodine: Causes thyroid problems, growth and developmental issues.
Folate: Results in low energy, decreased red cell production, and anemia
Preventing Malnutrition
Regular pediatric wellness checkups are crucial in preventing malnutrition. Physicians monitor height, weight, and growth patterns, enabling early detection and intervention. Parents can also reduce pediatric malnutrition risks by:
Ensuring a balanced diet: Include a variety of foods, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits, vegetables, and water.
Learning about nutrition: Seek education on how to incorporate essential vitamins and minerals into daily meals.
Establishing regular mealtimes: Routine meals help maintain nutritional goals.
Exploring community resources: For food assistance, contact your local food bank and ask your primary care provider for resources.
What to Do If You Suspect Malnutrition
If you’re concerned about your child’s nutritional status, speak to their healthcare provider immediately. The provider may recommend increasing calorie-dense foods for undernutrition, like olive oil, butter, cheese, and full-fat yogurt, or advise a dietitian for a tailored nutrition plan. Severely malnourished children often require hospitalization and medical supervision. Over nourished children also benefit from meeting with a dietitian or multidisciplinary team for individualized diet and activity modifications.
Suggested Interventions
Consider vitamin and mineral supplements.
Seek appropriate social and healthcare support to help manage your child’s diet.
If your child is diagnosed with undernutrition or failure to thrive, your physician may recommend oral or tube-feeding formulas that are calorie and protein-dense to support nutrient intake. There are many different types of formulas your physician may recommend based on your child's nutritional needs and their condition. Here are some common ones:
Standard Formulas: contain a normal ratio of nutrients
High-Calorie Formulas: higher in calories and protein
Peptide or Elemental: partially or fully broken-down protein and/or fat to aid digestion and absorption
Blenderized: contain whole foods
Nutrient Modulars: contain a single or combination of nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fat
If you are interested in trying an oral or tube-feeding formula, speak with your child’s physician to discuss which formula is best. We will send you a free sample with a physician or dietitian's request! At Sentido, we offer a wide range of high-quality formulas that fit the needs of each of our patients. Contact us to learn more about our sampling program or to speak with a dietitian!