Poor weight gain and slowing of linear growth occur. Impairment of immunologic functions in these children mimics those seen in children with AIDS, predisposing them to opportunistic and other typical childhood infections. Children who are chronically malnourished exhibit behavioral changes including irritability, apathy and decreased social responsiveness, anxiety, and attention deficits. In addition, infants and young children who suffer from malnutrition frequently demonstrate developmental delay or permanent cognitive deficits. The degree of delay and deficit depends on the severity and duration of nutritional compromise and the age at which malnutrition occurs.
Children are susceptible to malnutrition for differing reasons.
During adolescence, self-imposed dietary restrictions contribute to the incidence of nutritional deficiencies. Deficiencies of micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals and trace elements have been well described. Hair is thin, sparse, brittle, easily pulled out, and turns a dull brown or reddish color. Inadequate food intake is the most common cause of malnutrition worldwide. In developing countries, inadequate food intake is secondary to insufficient or inappropriate food supplies.