According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is the gravest single threat to

global public health. Globally, it contributes to 45 percent of deaths of children aged under 5
years. Therefore, Parents should find out about appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to
prevent and treat malnutrition in children.

WHAT IS MALNUTRITION?

Malnutrition is a serious condition that occurs when a person’s diet doesn't contain the right
amount of nutrients. The term malnutrition covers 2 broad groups of conditions: undernutrition
and overnutrition

Wasting

UNDERNUTRITION Stuning

Micronutrient
deficiencies
MALNUTRITION

Overweight

OVERNUTRITION

Obesity

Overnutrition Undernutrition
CAUSE OF MALNUTRITION

1. Lack of nutrient

Malnutrition may originate from the deficiency or absence of any nutrient. The establishment
and severity of malnutrition depends on the cause, intensity and duration of the nutritional
deficiency. It can be caused, primarily, by an inadequate diet or, secondarily, by deficiency in
gastrointestinal absorption and/or increase in demand, or even, by an excessive excretion of
nutrients

2. Social and mobility problems

Some people cannot leave the house to buy food or find it physically difficult to prepare meals.
Those who live alone and are isolated are more at risk. Some people do not have enough money
to spend on food, and others have limited cooking skills.

3. Health problems

- Crohn's disease: People with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may need to have part of the
small intestine removed to enable them to absorb nutrients. If the body does not absorb nutrients
efficiently, even a healthful diet may not prevent malnutrition.

- Celiac disease: is a genetic disorder that involves a gluten intolerance. It may result in damage
to the lining of the intestines and poor food absorption.

- Cancer, liver disease, persistent pain or nausea causes a lack of appetite

- Dysphagia makes swallowing difficult or painful

- Persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or both can lead to a loss of vital nutrients.

4. Infectious diseases

It appears that there is a vicious cycle involved, where malnutrition increases disease
susceptibility and disease causes a reduction in food intake. Firstly, examples of how infections
can contribute to malnutrition include: (1) gastrointestinal infection that lead to diarrhea, (2)
chronic infections that cause cachexia and anemia; and (3) intestinal parasites that cause anemia
and nutrient deprivation. Secondly, Infection Stimulates immune response that increas es the
demand for energy expenditure.

EFFECTS OF MALNUTRITION

1. The development

Poor nutrition during in the early years leads to delayed motor development,general
effects on cognitive development resulting in lower IQ, and a greater degree of
behavioural problems and deficient social skills at school age, as well as decreased
attention, deficient learning, and lower educational achievement

2. Reduced muscle and tissue mass

Reduction in cardiac muscle mass decrease in cardiac output. That has a corresponding
impact on renal function by reducing renal perfusion and glomerular filtration rate. Poor
diaphragmatic and respiratory muscle function causes breathing difficulties, and an
increased risk of chest infection and respiratory failure
 3. Immunity and wound healing

Immune function is also affected, increasing the risk of infection and increases the length
of time that it takes to recover from infection due to impaired cell-mediated immunity
and cytokine, complement and phagocyte function. Delayed wound healing is also well
described in malnourished surgical patients.

4. Psychosocial effects

Malnutrition can also lead to feelings of apathy (indifference), tiredness, and depression
and self-neglect.

PREVENTION OF MALNUTRITION

1. A healthy diet

Children should eat a variety of foods from all of the food groups (quality) in sufficient
amounts (quantity). The food should contains fewer pesticides, no antibiotics, growth
hormones, or fed animal byproducts (safety).
 2. Get Kids to Eat Better
- Never use food as a reward.

This could create weight problems in later life. Instead, reward your children with
something physical and fun -- perhaps a trip to the park or a quick game of catch.

- Get kids cooking.

Get kids involved in shopping for groceries and preparing meals. they'll be more
interested in eating what they've created.
He whole family will sit down to eat dinner (or breakfast) together at approximately the same time every
day can be very comforting for kids and enhance appetite. Family meals offer opportunity to talk and
listen to your kids without the distraction of TV, phones, or computers.
- Have fun.
The more creative the meal is, the greater the variety of foods my kids
eat. We make smiley-face pancakes and give foods silly names. (Broccoli
florets are "baby trees" or "dinosaur food.") Anything mini is always a hit
too.
- Be a role model.
If you're constantly on a diet or have erratic eating habits, your children
will grow up thinking that this sort of behavior is normal.