Deficiencies in zinc and vitamin B-1 contribute to anorexia, but a specific nutrient deficiency need not be present. General malnutrition can contribute to disinterest in food, leading to further mal-nutrition, reducing appetite increasingly over time. Possible Solutions for Nutritional Deficiencies. Children cannot be forced to eat the necessary diet to correct mal-nutrition. Once they become malnourished, diet alone may not correct the deficiencies, particularly if children have poor absorption or delivery of nutrients.
Liquid nutrients are available for children who refuse chewables.
Pills ground up in a mortar and pastel can be mixed with frozen grape juice concentrate, applesauce, strained pears, or, in desperate cases, chocolate syrup. Weak Digestive Function. Children with a history of reflux, colic, frequent antibiotic use, allergies, diarrhea, constipation, and low tone, often have a digestive system that is immature, inflamed or inefficient. Most cases are subtle, with a heavy or sinking feeling accompanying eating. These youngsters are uncomfortable and tend to avoid eating, becoming high risk for malnutrition.