(CNR) Malnutrition and Those At Risk Lesson

Malnutrition and Those At Risk Lesson 

Many children in the United States are at risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition (when the body does not receive vital nutrients and vitamins) is when the body lacks important vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health and body function.

A child does not have to be skinny to be malnourished. Malnourished children often fail to thrive. Throughout childhood, they tend to rate 'below average' on growth charts. They may be smaller than the average children in their age group.

Hunger (the sensation that the stomach is empty) and malnutrition are different, but are also closely related. Hunger is a signal that is sent to the brain from the stomach that the stomach is empty. Going hungry for long periods of time can cause some types of malnutrition. There are certain diseases where malnutrition tends to be more common. Those are:

Celiac Disease: Individuals with this disease cannot adequately digest gluten well which hinders the absorption of nutrients.

Cystic Fibrosis: Individuals with Cystic Fibrosis have trouble absorbing nutrients because the disease affects the pancreas, which would normally produce enzymes for digestion.

Lactose Intolerance: These individuals have difficulty digesting milk and other dairy products, and may not get enough calcium from their diets.

 

Who is at risk?

People all over the world are at risk for malnutrition. However, the people at highest risk are those with poor economic situations. People who live through drought, earthquakes, wars, and natural disasters are also at risk because resources are diminished during these times.

Infants, children and adolescents are at risk for suffering from lack of nutrients. Because these stages in life require many different types of vitamins and minerals to grow properly, it can be dangerous if they do not get them.

Children who are vegetarians or vegan also run a risk of becoming malnourished. They may not get the amount of iron and calcium they need to be healthy.

 

Symptoms of Malnourishment

See below for common symptoms of malnourishment.

 

Treating Malnourishment

Malnourishment can be successfully treated. Many of the harmful effects can be reversed if caught early. The first step begins at home. The parent or guardian will first slowly increase the amount of protein, fruit, and vegetables. They will also give the child a multi-vitamin that may contain iron. Many children with malnourishment tend to be low in iron because they do not eat enough red meat and beans.   The child will have regular doctor visits to make sure he or she is growing at an appropriate rate. If it is not possible for the child to eat through the mouth, a healthcare professional can insert a feeding tube through the mouth or nose to deliver nutrients to the stomach. Some children are so sick they may not be able to open their mouths or chew properly to digest food.

In severe situations, the child may need to be admitted to a hospital to get proper care. The hospital may involve a doctor who specializes in treating digestive conditions (a gastroenterologist), a dietitian, a pharmacist, a psychologist, and maybe a social worker. It is important to treat all aspects of the problem. Involving a counselor or a psychologist may be helpful so that the child's mental state can be evaluated. There may be an underlying psychological cause for the malnourishment.

 

Self-Assessment: Malnutrition

 

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