The influence of malnutrition on development
Stanfield, J.P.
Practitioner 226(1373): 1929-1940
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-6518 PMID: 6185935 Document Number: 196973
Review considers how protein-energy malnutrition affects growth and development of infants, and how far it is responsible for reduction or distortion of their potential achievement. Persons differ in the proportion of stored energy in fat and in muscle. When reserves have been used, energy is conserved by inactivity and apathy; later, the physical and mental growth rates decrease. Bodyweight curves do not decrease smoothly but in steps, a step occurring during infection, anorexia, separation or misery, and the bodyweight is not recovered rapidly or completely as it would be in a normally nourished child. Poor growth and inactivity both affect learning. Muscle may be catabolized, including heart and smooth muscle. Malnutrition of pregnant or lactating women also affects the infant. Permanent malnutrition is associated with stunting of consecutive generations. There is no clear evidence that protein-energy malnutrition of man has any permanent effect if there is no complication and if there is complete rehabilitation; exceptions are the blindness following xerophthalmia, and deforming caused by rickets; other possible permanent defects are mentioned. Factors associated with malnutrition are deprivation, infection, increased perinatal mortality and decreased life expectancy. Effects on a community include low energy output, increasing poverty, carelessness, vandalism and lack of planning, including family planning.