Nutrition In Malnutrition

Hypotrophy is a pathology that is one of the types of dystrophy. The disease is characteristic of children up to 3 years of age and develops as a result of malnutrition. It is diagnosed when the body weight, in relation to height and age, is lower than the norm by 10% and more.

This type of dystrophy is manifested not only by underweight, relative to height, but also with reduced skin turgor, developmental delay and is usually accompanied by a significant decrease in immunity.

Pathology is a serious problem worldwide and is one of the causes of infant mortality.

Classification

• primary type - a separate disease that develops due to malnutrition;
• secondary type - concomitant disease with another major health problem.

• congenital form - characterized by impaired fetal development, and as a result - the newborn is low body weight;
• acquired form - in this form the newborn is of normal weight, but subsequently it decreases.

• mild;
• intermediate degree;
• severe.

Useful foods for malnutrition

The basis of the complex treatment of malnutrition is complete nutrition. In children with such a diagnosis, the need for nutrients is increased. Therefore, the menu should be tailored to the needs of the child at the appropriate age.

For babies 1-2 months the best food is breast milk. If the mother is not breastfed and there are no opportunities for donation, infant formula should be used.

Hypotrophy is usually accompanied by impaired gastrointestinal function, so nutritionists recommend to include in the menu yogurt, which is not only well absorbed, but helps digestion. Adapted yogurt mixes are recommended for children under 1 year of age, and yoghurt and other yogurt foods can be given to older children.

Feeding infants with malnutrition may begin earlier than their peers. Vegetable puree can be given to them at the age of 3.5-4 months, and minced meat - after the fifth month. Cottage cheese can be included in the menu in the first months of birth, in order to adjust the amount of protein in the diet. Older children take modern high-protein diet products, such as dry milk formula. It contains many vitamins, vegetable fats and trace elements. Small amounts of the mixture are added to main dishes and drinks.

Meals should be divided into 6 or more meals per day. If the child does not want to eat, there is no point in being forced, it is better to skip meals and a few hours later to offer him to eat again.

At the beginning of the meal it is good for the child to eat a product that helps increase appetite. these can be fresh vegetables, pickles or juices, a piece of herring, pickles (of course, consider whether the food is suitable for the child, according to his age). To enhance the secretion of digestive juices, nutritionists recommend a highly concentrated meat broth.

In general, malnutrition is accompanied by hypovitaminosis, so the young patient's menu should have a sufficient amount of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Harmful foods in malnutrition

To avoid the risk of malnutrition in the newborn, the expectant mother should eat properly and minimize the consumption of products such as:

• margarine and trans fats;
• fast food;
• homemade mayonnaise and other sauces;
• canned fish and meat;
• pickles and smoked products;
• sweetened carbonated beverages;
• alcohol;
• fried and spicy food.

Children suffering from the disease should also not take these products.