Malnutrition after age 1 may cause:
Many experts assert that the damage children suffer if malnourished in the “1,000 day window of opportunity” — pregnancy and the first two years of life — is irreversible and cannot be offset by interventions later in childhood. But a new study co-authored by a BU School of Public Health researcher calls that into question. The study, published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looks at the effects of stunting, or impaired growth in height, in children. The researchers found that children who were shorter than expected at 1 year of age were often behind in school at 8 years of age and scored lower on cognitive tests than their counterparts who had healthy heights at age 1. But children who experienced greater than expected “catch-up” growth (stunted at 1, but recovered by 8 years old) were more likely to be in age-appropriate classes at age 8 and to have higher scores on standard tests of cognition, when compared to children who remained
relatively short. The researchers concluded that “improvements in child growth after early faltering might have significant benefits on schooling and cognitive achievement.” Study co-author Kirk Dearden, associate professor of international health and a researcher with the Center for Global Health and Development, said the findings indicate that interventions
that improve nutritional status and offer early childhood stimulation—even after the first two years of life—may help to counter the effects of early stunting. “We’re saying, ‘don’t stop after the first two years, because there’s potential for kids to catch up in growth, learning and cognition.’ Just because kids aren’t doing well in the first year or so doesn’t mean it’s over,” he said. Dearden is the principal investigator of NIH-funded research at BUSPH that examines nutrition,
schooling and cognition; the article’s first author is Benjamin Crookston of Brigham Young University. The study examined the relationship between growth recovery and cognitive abilities among 8,000 children in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam enrolled in the “Young Lives” study. The international study is designed to evaluate connections between post-infancy nutritional status, as it relates to growth in height, and school enrollment and cognitive achievements in mathematics, reading and
vocabulary. Because malnutrition is a key factor in stunting, the authors said, their findings reinforce the need “to prevent nutritional insults in early life,” while also emphasizing the importance of promoting child growth beyond the first two years of life. “Although early interventions are critical,” they said, “interventions to improve nutrition of preprimary and primary school–age children also merit serious consideration.” In an editorial accompanying the study, Rafael
Pérez-Escamilla of the Yale School of Public Health said the findings underscore “previous empirical evidence suggesting that the brain is a highly plastic organ with remarkable ability to improve its function even when interventions start after exposure to nutritional insults during the first 1000 days of life.” He urged additional studies to examine the potential impacts of nutritional interventions during the 2nd and 3rd years of life and the mechanisms by which nutrition has such important long-term impacts. Submitted by: Lisa Chedekel Explore Related Topics:Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition characterized by severe protein deficiency. It causes fluid retention and a swollen, distended abdomen. Kwashiorkor most commonly affects children, particularly in developing countries with high levels of poverty and food insecurity. People with kwashiorkor may have food to eat, but not enough protein.
OverviewWhat is kwashiorkor?Kwashiorkor is one of the two main types of severe protein-energy undernutrition. People with kwashiorkor are especially deficient in protein, as well as some key micronutrients. Severe protein deficiency causes fluid retention in the tissues (edema), which distinguishes kwashiorkor from other forms of malnutrition. People with kwashiorkor may look emaciated in their limbs but swollen in their hands and feet, face and belly. The distended abdomen typical of kwashiorkor can be misleading in people who are actually critically malnourished. Who does kwashiorkor affect?Kwashiorkor is rare in developed countries. It’s mostly found in developing countries with high rates of poverty and food scarcity. Poor sanitary conditions and a high prevalence of infectious diseases also help set the stage for malnutrition. Kwashiorkor can affect all ages, but it’s most common in children, especially between the ages of 3 to 5. This is an age when many children have recently transitioned from breastfeeding to a less adequate diet — one higher in carbohydrates but lower in protein and other nutrients. What is the difference between kwashiorkor and marasmus?Kwashiorkor and marasmus are the two main types of severe protein-energy undernutrition recognized by healthcare providers worldwide. The main difference between them is that kwashiorkor is predominantly a protein deficiency, while marasmus is a deficiency of all macronutrients — protein, carbohydrates and fats. People with marasmus are deprived of calories in general, either because they’re eating too little or expending too many, or both. People with kwashiorkor may not be deprived of calories in general but are deprived of protein-rich foods. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor?
What other complications can kwashiorkor cause?
What causes kwashiorkor?Protein deficiency is the main feature of kwashiorkor, and many researchers believe it's the cause — but not all are convinced. Some have noted cases where dietary protein failed to prevent or improve kwashiorkor. This suggests that protein deficiency may only be part of the picture. The primary factors associated with kwashiorkor are:
Other factors that may contribute include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is kwashiorkor diagnosed?Healthcare providers can often diagnose kwashiorkor by physically examining the child and observing its telltale physical signs. They will ask about the child’s diet and history of illnesses or infections. They may measure the child’s weight-to-height ratio and height-to-age and score them according to various charts. The weight-to-height score tells them how severe the child’s condition is. Their height-to-age score tells them how much the child's growth has been affected by malnutrition. Management and TreatmentHow is kwashiorkor treated?The World Health Organization has outlined 10 steps to follow when treating severe undernutrition:
PreventionHow can kwashiorkor be prevented?
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis for people with kwashiorkor?Left untreated, kwashiorkor can be fatal. Death may be caused by infection, dehydration or liver failure. When treatment begins, people are also at high risk of complications from refeeding syndrome. However, those who are successfully rehabilitated can make a strong recovery. They may have some lingering effects from kwashiorkor, but they may not. The complications of kwashiorkor are more severe and last longer the longer they’ve been left untreated. Some children may never fully recover from their growth and development shortages. They may remain predisposed to liver disease and pancreatic insufficiency. Earlier intervention leads to better outcomes. A note from Cleveland Clinic Kwashiorkor may not look like malnutrition because it causes swelling and bloating. It also comes with hidden side effects that may be unexpected, such as loss of appetite and fatty liver disease. Kwashiorkor needs to be understood to be treated effectively. Simply feeding with protein may be insufficient and even dangerous. But kwashiorkor should be treated as soon as possible, especially in children. Earlier intervention can help minimize the long-term effects of malnutrition. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
enews More health news + infoWhat is the effect of malnutrition to a child?Malnourished children may be short for their age, thin or bloated, listless and have weakened immune systems. Nutritional disorders can affect any system in the body and the senses of sight, taste and smell. They may also produce anxiety, changes in mood and other psychiatric symptoms.
What is the causes of malnutrition?Malnutrition (undernutrition) is caused by a lack of nutrients, either as a result of a poor diet or problems absorbing nutrients from food.
What are the consequences of malnutrition during the first year of development?Studies show that stunted children in the first two years of life have lower cognitive test scores, delayed enrolment, higher absenteeism and more class repetition compared with non stunted children.
What are 5 effects of malnutrition?Consequences of malnutrition. Muscle function. Weight loss due to depletion of fat and muscle mass, including organ mass, is often the most obvious sign of malnutrition. ... . Cardio-respiratory function. ... . Gastrointestinal function. ... . Immunity and wound healing. ... . Psychosocial effects.. What are the five causes of malnutrition in children?Malnutrition, at its core, is a dietary deficiency that results in poor health conditions.. Poor qualify of diet.. Poor maternal health.. Socioeconomic status.. War and conflict.. What are the three main causes of malnutrition?Causes of malnutrition include:. unsuitable dietary choices.. having a low income.. difficulty obtaining food.. various physical and mental health conditions.. |