Malnutrition in Children: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Malnutrition occurs when a child’s diet fails to provide adequate nutrients or when the body’s demand for nutrients exceeds intake. This condition can impair both physical and mental development.¹

Malnutrition in children happens when their bodies don’t receive enough energy and essential nutrients. It may stem from poor dietary intake or increased demand - for example, during illness. When children fail to grow as expected - comparing weight or height with peers of the same age - they may be suffering from stunting.²

Common indicators of malnutrition in children include:

●      Unintended weight loss

●      Fatigue and low energy

●      Irritability

●      Difficulty concentrating

●      Delayed growth in both weight and height

These symptoms may vary depending on severity, age, and the underlying cause.

Several factors may contribute to malnutrition in children, including:

●      Poor diet lacking in energy and nutrients

●      Illness or infection increasing nutritional demands

●      Eating disorders or appetite loss

●      Chronic disease or digestive disorders interfering with absorption

●      Social or economic constraints limiting access to food

If you suspect your child may be malnourished or at risk of growth delays, you can use our growth tracker here to check on progress (https://www.family.abbott/au-en/pediasure/tools-and-resources/tools/growth-calculator.html). If you’re still concerned, we recommend getting an evaluation by a healthcare provider such as your general practitioner, paediatrician dietitian. They will assess: nutritional intake, growth curves, physical signs, and medical history.

Following diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan will be created to meet the child’s specific nutritional needs. Key strategies include:

●      Encouraging nutrient-dense snack and meal intake ³

●      Using Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) like PediaSure which can help*.

●      In severe cases, employing tube feeding (enteral nutrition) under medical supervision.

Frequent monitoring and adjustment are essential to ensure optimal recovery and growth.

*PediaSure is a Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use only under medical supervision.

References

1. BAPEN, 2009. http://www.bapen.org.uk/pdfs/improv_nut_care_report.pdf . Accessed 4/9/2025.
2. Better Health Channel (2024) Obesity in children: causes. State Government of Victoria. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/obesity-in-children-cause, Access date: 4/9/2025
3. World Health Organization (2023) Supplementary foods for the management of moderate acute malnutrition in children aged 6–59 months. Available at: https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/food-children-mam, Access date: 4/9/2025