Nutritional deficiency is a significant public health issue that affects children worldwide, particularly in low and middle income countries. Proper nutrition is essential for physical growth, cognitive development, and overall health. Deficiencies in essential nutrients during critical stages of growth can lead to a range of short-term and long-term health problems, hampering a child’s potential and contributing to the cycle of poverty and poor health. Globally, under nutrition is underlying or associated cause in at least half of all childhood deaths. Prevention of under nutrition in children is one of the top priorities in efforts to reduce childhood mortality. The effects of malnutrition on children are not limited to physical health, but extend to mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. They could be transmitted from one generation to another, constituting a vicious spiral.
One of the most visible impacts of nutritional deficiency on children is stunted physical growth, known as stunting. Stunting occurs when children fail to grow to their full potential due to chronic malnutrition, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life (from conception to two years of age). According to UNICEF, nearly 22% of children under the age of five globally were stunted in 2021. Stunted growth not only limits height but is also associated with weakened immunity, making children more vulnerable to infections and diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhea. Another significant concern is wasting, which refers to acute malnutrition characterized by rapid weight loss or low weight-for-height ratios. Wasting is often a result of severe nutrient shortages during periods of food insecurity or illness. These physical effects increase the risk of mortality, especially in children under five, who have underdeveloped immune systems.
Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, iodine, zinc, and vitamin A, also profoundly affect physical development. For instance, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, causing fatigue, delayed motor development, and poor academic performance. Vitamin A deficiency weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and the risk of blindness in severe cases. Zinc deficiency affects wound healing, increases infection rates, and impairs growth.
Nutritional deficiency in children manifests in three primary forms. Stunting is a condition where children are too short for their age, reflecting chronic nutritional deficiency. Wasting is a rapid weight loss or failure to gain weight, indicating acute malnutrition. Underweight is a general measure that includes elements of both stunting and wasting. Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, iron, and zinc, compromise the immune system, impair growth, and affect cognitive development. Rising rates of overweight and obesity in children, driven by unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles, present a paradoxical form of malnutrition linked to non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Nutrition plays a critical role in shaping a child’s psychosocial development and behavior. Malnourished children often exhibit apathy, irritability, and reduced social interaction due to chronic fatigue and poor health. These behavioral changes can hinder their ability to form relationships, engage in play, and participate in group learning activities. Inadequate nutrition can also lead to mental health issues. Studies have linked deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and other nutrients to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. Children with such deficiencies may have difficulty coping with stress and are more likely to exhibit aggressive or antisocial behavior.
The brain’s rapid growth and development during early childhood depend heavily on adequate nutrition. Nutritional deficiencies during this period can lead to long-lasting cognitive deficits, reduced intellectual capacity, and learning difficulties. Iron deficiency affects brain development by impairing the formation of neurotransmitters and myelin, critical components for efficient brain function. Studies have shown that children with iron-deficiency anemia are more likely to have poor attention spans, delayed language development, and lower IQ scores. Similarly, iodine deficiency during pregnancy is a leading cause of preventable intellectual disabilities, including cretinism, which is characterized by severe mental retardation and developmental delays. Protein-energy malnutrition, common in regions with food scarcity, also affects brain structure and function. Malnourished children often struggle with concentration, memory retention, and problem-solving skills, hindering their academic performance. This has long-term implications for their educational attainment and career prospects, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
The effects of nutritional deficiency on the community are both direct and indirect. The direct effects are the occurrence of frank and sub-clinical nutritional deficiency diseases such as kwashiorkor, marasmus, vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases. The indirect effects are a high morbidity and mortality among children, retarded physical and mental growth and development, lowered vitality of the people leading to lowered productivity and reduced life expectancy. Prospective studies suggest that severely underweight children have more than an eight-fold greater risk of mortality than normal nourished children, that moderately underweight children have four to five-fold greater risk, and that even mildly underweight children have a two to three-fold greater risk. The high prevalence of mortality in those with mild and moderate malnutrition suggests that more than half of child deaths may be caused directly or indirectly by malnutrition. Moreover, 83% of these deaths result from mild to moderate forms of malnutrition. A major factor is the potentiating of infectious disease by malnutrition. Developing nations are not exempt from the upward secular trend in the pandemic of malnutrition. Malnutrition is now considered by WHO as the biggest unrecognized public health problem.
Nutritional deficiency has profound and far-reaching consequences on children, affecting their physical health, cognitive development, and overall quality of life. Stunted children are more susceptible to infections and are at higher risk of mortality. Wasting, associated with acute malnutrition, can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and iodine, impair brain development and cognitive function, resulting in lower educational attainment and reduced productivity in adulthood. Malnourished children often become adults with lower earning potential, perpetuating cycles of poverty and under nutrition.
Nutritional deficiencies in children are a critical issue that affects their physical growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being. The consequences of malnutrition extend beyond individuals, impacting families, communities, and economies. Addressing this issue requires a holistic approach that includes improving access to nutrient-rich foods, healthcare, and education while addressing systemic issues such as poverty and inequality. By prioritizing child nutrition, we can break the cycle of malnutrition and unlock the full potential of future generations.
ATIFA ANJUMAN Is a Broadcast Journalist and News Presenter of Independent Television.
