Pediatric malnutrition (undernutrition) is defined as an imbalance between nutrient requirements and intake, resulting in deficiencies that may negatively affect growth, development, and other relevant outcomes. Without proper intake of nutrients, kids can be at risk for significant immune deficiencies, compromised cognitive function, behavioral problems, diminished bone health, and decreased muscle mass, especially if undernutrition is chronic in duration or stunting has occurred.
During childhood, the growth plate matures, its total width decreases and eventually it disappears at the end of puberty. When skeletal maturity is reached after puberty, all cartilage is replaced by bone and there is a fusing of the growth plate so no more growth can be achieved. Therefore, early identification and timely intervention are critical to help restore normal growth and development.
Nutrition is one of the most important environmental factors influencing growth and is especially important during early childhood, as approximately 60% of adult height is achieved by age five. That is bone growth is so important and why making sure a child received the proper nutrients from the start of life is equally as important.