Indian perspective on childhood malnutrition: Prevalence, pathophysiology, risk factors, and prevention

Abstract

BACKGROUND Childhood malnutrition contributes over half of the childhood mortality around the world, predominantly in South-Asian and sub-Saharan countries. AIM To summarize the childhood malnutrition epidemiology along with the comorbid factors associated with it and its management within the community. METHODS The data collection process involved conducting a comprehensive search using specific keywords such as child nutrition disorders and India with Boolean operators. The search was conducted in the Scopus and PubMed electronic databases. RESULTS Inadequate energy consumption initiates pathological alterations in the form of growth retardation, fat, visceral, and muscle loss, a reduction in basal metabolic rate, and a significant reduction in total energy expenditure. It has become evident that malnutrition shows an increased prevalence and incidence rate, despite available guidelines for the management of malnutrition. CONCLUSION Malnutrition can be a major player in the establishment of severe infections that result in significant post discharge mortalities in children. Future trials are required to fill the prime gaps in knowledge regarding the identification of other contributory factors in the pathogenesis of malnutrition and post-discharge infection. New biomarkers for early detection of malnutrition should be the priority of the scientific community for the early management of malnutrition.