Understanding Child Malnutrition
Despite progress, malnutrition remains a significant problem in Delhi and across India. It encompasses both undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight) and micronutrient deficiencies. Paediatricians at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi provide early recognition and comprehensive management of childhood malnutrition.
Types of Malnutrition
- Wasting (SAM/MAM): Low weight for height – indicates acute malnutrition
- Stunting: Low height for age – indicates chronic malnutrition
- Underweight: Low weight for age
- Micronutrient Deficiencies: Iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Iodine, Zinc
Iron Deficiency Anaemia – Most Common Deficiency
Affects 50–70% of under-5 children in India. Causes include poor dietary iron intake, poor absorption, and infections. Signs: pallor of conjunctiva and palms, fatigue, poor growth, pica. Treatment: oral iron drops/syrup (3–4 mg/kg/day elemental iron).
Vitamin D Deficiency (Rickets)
Very common in Delhi due to limited sun exposure. Causes bowing of legs, delayed dentition, enlarged wrists, and craniotabes. Treatment: high-dose Vitamin D supplementation.
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) – 10 Steps Management
- Treat/prevent hypoglycaemia
- Treat/prevent hypothermia
- Treat/prevent dehydration
- Correct electrolyte imbalance
- Treat/prevent infection
- Correct micronutrient deficiencies
- Initiate cautious feeding
- Achieve catch-up growth
- Provide sensory stimulation
- Prepare for follow-up
Prevention
- Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months
- Timely introduction of complementary foods
- Dietary diversity
- Regular growth monitoring
- Deworming every 6 months (>1 year)
Expert nutrition and growth monitoring for children at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
