Conclusions This systematic review found that most of the evidence associating malaria and malnutrition comes from P. falciparum endemic areas , with a significant heterogeneity in studies ’ design .
Apparently malnutrition has not a great impact on malaria morbidity , but could have a negative impact on malaria mortality and severity .
Most studies show no association between malaria and subsequent malnutrition in P. falciparum areas .
In Plasmodium vivax endemic areas , malaria was associated with malnutrition in children .
Background Multiple studies in various parts of the world have analysed the association of nutritional status on malaria using anthropometric measures , but results differ due to the heterogeneity of the study population , species of the parasite , and other factors involved in the host and parasite relationship .
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on the inter-relationship of nutritional status based on anthropometry and malarial infection .
Impact of intermittent preventive anti-malarial treatment on the growth and nutritional status of preschool children in rural Senegal (west Africa).
Negative consequences of malaria might account for seasonality in nutritional status in children in the Sahel . We report the impact of a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial of seasonal intermittent preventive anti-malarial treatment on growth and nutritional status in 1,063 Senegalese preschool children .  A combination of artesunate and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was given monthly from September to November . In the intervention arm , mean weight gain was significantly greater ( 122.9 + /- 340 versus 42.9 + /- 344 [ SD ] g/mo , P < 0.0001 ) and losses in triceps and subscapular skinfold measurements were less ( -0.39 + /- 1.01 versus -0.66 + /- 1.01 mm/mo , and -0.15 + /- 0.64 versus -0.36 + /- 0.62 mm/mo , respectively , P < 0.0001 for both ) . There was no difference in height increments . The prevalence of wasting increased significantly in the control arm ( 4.6 % before versus 9.5 % after , P < 0.0001 ) , but remained constant in intervention children : 5.6 % versus 7.0 % ( P = 0.62 ) . The prevention of malaria would improve child nutritional status in areas with seasonal transmission
Conclusions This systematic review found that most of the evidence associating malaria and malnutrition comes from P. falciparum endemic areas , with a significant heterogeneity in studies ’ design .
Apparently malnutrition has not a great impact on malaria morbidity , but could have a negative impact on malaria mortality and severity .
Most studies show no association between malaria and subsequent malnutrition in P. falciparum areas .
In Plasmodium vivax endemic areas , malaria was associated with malnutrition in children .
Background Multiple studies in various parts of the world have analysed the association of nutritional status on malaria using anthropometric measures , but results differ due to the heterogeneity of the study population , species of the parasite , and other factors involved in the host and parasite relationship .
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on the inter-relationship of nutritional status based on anthropometry and malarial infection .