economic foundations org (Washington, DC)

economic foundations org

How Does Malnutrition Affect Children Malnutrition is a serious problem that affects millions of children around the world. It occurs when a child s diet lacks the necessary nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. Malnutrition can have severe and long-lasting effects on a child s physical and mental health and overall well-being.Here are some of the ways in which malnutrition affects children Stunted growth and development Malnourished children may not grow and develop as they should. This can lead to stunted growth and developmental delays that can affect their physical and mental development.Increased risk of infections Malnutrition weakens a child s immune system making them more susceptible to infections. They may also have a harder time recovering from illness.Cognitive and behavioral problems Malnutrition can affect a child s brain development leading to cognitive and behavioral problems. These children may have difficulty concentrating learning and processing information.Nutrient deficiencies Malnourished children may be deficient in essential nutrients such as iron vitamin A and zinc which can lead to a range of health problems.