top of page

Nutritional disorders 

In this section you will learn about management of various Nutritional disorders 

Not growing well/growth faltering/failure to thrive

Not growing well/growth faltering/failure to thrive

Children and infants who have either Unsatisfactory weight gain (growth curve flattening or weight loss) on the Road to Health chart/ booklet OR Low weight for age, i.e. WHZ < –2 but > –3.

Uncomplicated SAM

Uncomplicated SAM

children who are clinically well without signs of infection or other indication for hospital admission, with a retained appetite. Retained appetite is regarded to indicate the absence of severe metabolic disturbance. These patients are deemed to be most appropriately managed as outpatients, with ready-to-use therapeutic foods.

Complicated SAM

Complicated SAM

is the most extreme and visible form of undernutrition.

Vitamin B1/Thiamine Deficiency (Wernicke Encephalopathy and Beriberi)

Vitamin B1/Thiamine Deficiency (Wernicke Encephalopathy and Beriberi)

is a medical condition of low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1).

Vitamin B6/Pyridoxine Deficiency

Vitamin B6/Pyridoxine Deficiency

Commonly presents as signs of peripheral neuropathy including:

• Tingling sensation
• Burning pain or numbness of the feet

Vitamin B3/Nicotinic Acid Deficiency (Pellagra)

Vitamin B3/Nicotinic Acid Deficiency (Pellagra)

Pellagra is a condition associated with nicotinic acid deficiency.

Vitamin B Deficiencies

Vitamin B Deficiencies

A condition in which some of the B group vitamins are deficient.

Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)

Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)

A condition predominantly affecting the skin, mucous membranes and the eyes. It is most common in children of 1–5 years of age.

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDA)

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDA)

Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones (Triiodothyronine-T3) and Tetraiodothyonine-T4 or Thyroxine). The hormones have profound influence on energy metabolism, protein synthesis, growth and development.

Macrocytic or Megaloblastic Anaemia (Vitamin B12 Deficiency)

Macrocytic or Megaloblastic Anaemia (Vitamin B12 Deficiency)

Anaemia with large red blood cells is commonly due to folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. Folate deficiency is common in pregnant women and in the postpartum period

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA)

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA)

Anaemia due to deficiency of iron. Common causes of iron deficiency are chronic blood loss or poor nutritional intake.

Anaemia

Anaemia

This is a condition characterised by low haemoglobin concentration, clinically recognised by pallor

bottom of page