1. What is child malnutrition?
Malnutrition is a condition where the body does not receive sufficient essential nutrients, which affects its functions, activities, and growth. Children are the group most susceptible to malnutrition, especially those aged 6-24 months. This period is particularly critical as the nutritional needs of children are very high for development, adaptation to the environment, and they are highly vulnerable to diseases.
Malnourished children are at high risk of infections, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. If malnutrition is combined with these diseases, it will result in delayed physical and mental development compared to children of the same age.
Malnutrition is a factor that slows down the development of all organs, with the most significant impact on the musculoskeletal system, as it directly affects a child's height and stature. In addition, a lack of essential nutrients can slow brain development, making the child sluggish, with poor learning, social interaction, and communication skills. As a result, when the child grows up, they may have lower work capacity compared to normal children.
The treatment of malnutrition in young children depends on the cause and severity. Doctors will then propose suitable treatments either at home or in the hospital. Under normal conditions, changing the diet is the most common and fundamental approach to treat child malnutrition. This may involve increasing essential nutrients in the child's meals or supplementing them through medicines or products as advised by a doctor.
2. Is a 7-month-old baby weighing 7kg malnourished?
To determine whether a 7-month-old baby weighing 7kg is malnourished, parents need to know the ideal weight for a 7-month-old. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts, the ideal weight for a 7-month-old differs based on gender:
- For boys, the standard weight at 7 months is 8.3kg. A boy weighing less than 6.7kg at this age is considered malnourished, and a boy is at risk of malnutrition if his weight is below 7.4kg.
- For girls, the ideal weight at 7 months is 7.6kg. A girl weighing less than 6.1kg is considered malnourished, and a girl is at risk of malnutrition if her weight is below 6.7kg.
Based on this data, we can answer the question of whether a 7-month-old baby weighing 7kg is malnourished:
- For a boy weighing 7kg at 7 months, he is considered at risk of malnutrition.
- For a girl weighing 7kg at 7 months, according to the WHO weight standards, she is considered normal, with no malnutrition.
- For a baby weighing 6kg at 7 months, whether male or female, this would be considered malnutrition.
3. Signs of malnutrition in children
In addition to weight standards by age, malnutrition in young children can also manifest in the following signs:
- The child's weight does not increase as expected for three consecutive months.
- Malnourished children often show behavioral changes such as frequent crying, little or no play, reduced activity, and sluggishness compared to children of the same age.
- The muscles in the arms and legs become soft and weak, with a gradually enlarging belly.
- One of the most noticeable signs of malnutrition is delayed milestones in motor development, such as late crawling, sitting, walking, and standing.
- A common symptom today is poor appetite, eating little, and prolonged eating times.
Therefore, if parents notice that their child’s weight is below the standard, or the child hasn’t gained weight for three consecutive months, or shows the signs above, they should promptly take the child to a nutrition specialist for consultation.
4. Measures to prevent child malnutrition
To reduce the common issue of malnutrition in young children, parents or caregivers can apply the following preventive measures:
- Exclusive breastfeeding immediately after birth, continuing until the child is 18-24 months old. If the mother cannot produce enough milk, it is important to substitute with appropriate formula.
- Implementing a balanced diet that helps children gain weight and stay healthy: Begin complementary feeding at 6 months old. Meals should include all four major food groups: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Parents should choose fresh foods, limit processed foods, and ensure that meals are cooked thoroughly to prevent intestinal diseases caused by worms and parasites.
- Monitor growth charts regularly to detect signs of malnutrition early.
- Avoid excessive use of antibiotics for children. Only administer the required dosage and duration as prescribed. Additionally, provide proper nutritional care during illnesses. Ensure that the child receives all recommended vaccinations and regular deworming treatments.
Based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) standard height and weight charts, parents can determine whether their child is malnourished. Using this data, parents can assess and establish an appropriate care plan to ensure their child’s comprehensive development and overall health. This is particularly important as children enter the complementary feeding phase. If the child is at high risk for malnutrition, additional nutrients can be added to enhance absorption. According to nutrition experts, children should receive essential micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, chromium, vitamin B1 and B6, ginger, and cherry extract (vitamin C) to improve taste, enhance appetite, achieve optimal height and weight, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the likelihood of frequent illnesses and digestive issues.
