Causes of Malnutrition in Infants
For formula-fed infants, malnutrition may result from improper feeding practices such as diluting formula excessively or providing insufficient quantities. For breastfed infants, malnutrition can occur when breast milk supply is inadequate or when the mother's diet is unbalanced.Additionally, illnesses such as chronic diarrhea, parasitic infections, chronic dysentery, respiratory diseases, or gastrointestinal disorders can directly impair a baby's nutritional intake, leading to malnutrition.
What symptoms indicate malnutrition in infants?
The most common manifestations include fatigue, weight loss, growth retardation, frequent illnesses, anemia, hypoglycemia, decreased appetite, picky eating or loss of appetite, hypocalcemic convulsions, constipation, and muscle weakness. Severe cases may even present with arrhythmia or pathological fractures.
Malnourished infants exhibit developmental delays, short stature, dull skin and hair, pale mucous membranes, and stagnant or declining weight. Clinically, malnutrition is typically categorized into two types: marasmic and edematous.Intellectual and motor development is delayed to varying degrees. Body temperature is below normal, pulse is slow, and blood pressure is low.
Edematous type—Mild cases present only with subcutaneous edema. Severe cases may exhibit pitting edema (indentation upon pressure) in the genitals, upper limbs, abdomen, and face. A minority of children may develop pleural or abdominal effusions, and some may also develop purpura.Sudden weight gain serves as a reliable indicator of edema in this type.
Prolonged malnutrition may also lead to various complications, including rickets, infections, diarrhea, otitis media, pyelonephritis, etc. Laboratory tests may reveal signs of anemia.
Furthermore, the severity of pediatric malnutrition is classified into three grades: Grade I (mild), Grade II, and Grade III (severe).
Grade I Malnutrition: Normal mental status. Weight 15%-25% below normal. Subcutaneous abdominal fat thickness 0.8 cm to 0.4 cm. Dry skin. Height unaffected.
Grade II Malnutrition: Lethargic, irritable, decreased muscle tone, flaccid muscles, weight 25%-40% below normal, subcutaneous abdominal fat thickness <0.4 cm, pale dry skin, dull hair, stunted growth.
Grade III Malnutrition—Mental collapse, alternating drowsiness and restlessness, delayed intellectual development, muscle atrophy, low muscle tone, weight more than 40% below normal, disappearance of subcutaneous fat on the abdominal wall, wrinkles on the forehead, and an aged facial appearance.Skin appears pale, dry, and inelastic; hair is brittle; height is significantly below normal. Common symptoms include hypothermia, slow pulse, poor appetite, and constipation. Severe cases may develop malnutrition-related edema due to decreased serum protein levels.
How can malnutrition in infants be improved?
First, identify the cause of malnutrition. For breastfed infants, mothers should focus on dietary adjustments. Only a comprehensive, balanced diet can effectively improve the baby's nutritional status. If caused by illness, actively treat the underlying condition while promptly improving the baby's dietary intake. Generally, mild malnutrition can be quickly resolved by identifying the cause and correcting dietary habits.For severe malnutrition symptoms, prompt medical attention is required, including vitamin supplementation and other therapeutic interventions under medical supervision.
Dietary Recommendations for Malnourished Infants
Dietary adjustment forms the foundation of malnutrition treatment. Mild cases primarily involve dietary modification, providing high-protein, high-calorie meals until the infant feels full. Moderate to severe cases follow a gradual progression: start with low-calorie intake, progressively increasing food volume and variety.Portion increases should be guided by the child's appetite and bowel movements. For those tolerating food well, daily caloric intake can be raised to 120–140 kcal per kilogram of body weight. Following treatment, caloric intake should be adjusted to meet normal requirements. If your baby exhibits malnutrition symptoms, address the underlying cause and promptly manage any associated conditions.Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, abdominal massage, tuina therapy, and oral digestive aids may be used to enhance digestive capacity and stimulate appetite. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments 1. Take 1 eel and 10g of chicken gizzard lining. Remove the eel's innards, cut into pieces, place in a bowl with the chicken gizzard lining, steam until cooked, then consume. 2. 30g sweet potato leaves,10 grams of chicken gizzard lining. Simmer into a decoction, season, and consume.
3. Human milk mixed with malt, simmered into a decoction for consumption.
4. Several hawthorn berries with a small amount of brown sugar, simmered into a decoction for consumption.
5. 3 grams of goosefoot, stewed with pork for consumption.
6. 60 grams of goldenseal, stewed with tofu for consumption.