What is malnutrition?
Malnutrition is a condition caused by too little, too much or an imbalance of nutrients. Undernutrition is a lack of energy and nutrients and includes wasting (low weight for height), stunting (low height for age) and underweight. Overnutrition is the excess of nutrients, leading to overweight and obesity. Micronutrient deficiencies are shortages of vitamins and minerals.
| Condition | Cause | Signs | Prevention and treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kwashiorkor | Severe lack of protein in a child, often after weaning | Swollen belly and feet (oedema), thin hair, irritability, sores | Protein foods such as milk, eggs, beans and fish; therapeutic feeding |
| Marasmus | Severe lack of energy and food | Very thin, wasted, “old face”, hungry | Frequent small high-energy meals under medical care |
| Anaemia | Lack of iron | Pale, tired, weak, breathless | Iron-rich foods (liver, beans, greens), vitamin C, iron tablets |
| Night blindness | Lack of vitamin A | Poor sight in dim light | Carrots, mango, green vegetables, vitamin A supplements |
| Goitre | Lack of iodine | Swelling of the neck | Use iodised salt |
| Rickets | Lack of vitamin D or calcium | Soft, bent bones | Sunshine, milk, fish oil |
| Scurvy | Lack of vitamin C | Bleeding gums, slow healing | Citrus fruits, guava |
Causes and prevention
Causes are poverty, food shortage, poor feeding practices, lack of knowledge, infections, early weaning, large families, and food taboos. Prevention includes breastfeeding for six months, giving a variety of foods after that, growing a kitchen garden, treating infections early, immunisation, monitoring growth, and education about nutrition.
Measuring malnutrition
The mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) tape is a simple tool for children aged 6 to 59 months. A reading below 115 mm (red) shows severe acute malnutrition, 115 to 124 mm (yellow) moderate malnutrition, and 125 mm or more (green) a healthy child.
Choose the arm circumference of a child.
Key terms
- Malnutrition
- Too little, too much or the wrong balance of nutrients.
- Stunting
- Low height for age.
- Wasting
- Low weight for height.
- MUAC
- Mid-upper arm circumference.
Summary
- Malnutrition includes undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiency.
- Kwashiorkor and marasmus are the main severe types in children.
- Prevent with breastfeeding, a varied diet and early treatment of infection.
- MUAC below 115 mm is severe.