Open AccessThe Hazards of Malnutrition in Early Infancy
Author(s) -
R Indrawati
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
paediatrica indonesiana
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2338-476X
pISSN - 0030-9311
DOI - 10.14238/pi16.1-2.1976.47-58
Subject(s) - medicine , malnutrition , pediatrics , vitamin a deficiency , blindness , vitamin , growth retardation , retinol , pregnancy , biology , genetics , optometry
Severe protein calorie malnutrition is often accompanied by vitamin A deficiency and intercurrent infections. These three conditions have a synergistic action on each other. The younger the infant, the more severe are the hazards of nutritional deficiency.
Severe malnutrition in early infancy results in:
Direct hazards to the infant consisting of:
Retardation of physical development.
Retardation of brain development with subsequent impairment of learning ability.
Decreased resistance against infections.
PCM is a predisposing factor to diarrhoea, with aggravated the malnutrition.
Blindness due to vitamin A deficiency.