Malnutrition due to drinking suitable milk

Published date 14/03/2021

According to Children’s Hospital 1

 

On February 25, 2007, the Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital 1 received a 2-month-old B.V.T., hospitalized with diarrhea, swelling of the face and feet, and skin pigmentation disorder. When taking history, the baby’s mother said that she had given her baby milk powder (half a kilo sold for 14 thousand) from 10 days after birth until now. This is a case that needs attention in the rearing of children because baby T has suffered from edematous malnutrition.

Edema is a relatively less common form of malnutrition than atrophy. The disease occurs when children do not get enough nutrients, especially protein. Children with Kwashiorkor are undernourished, but their bodies are edematous, making family members often think that the baby is fat and gaining weight, so they are more confident in the type of milk they are using.

 

Children are growing, the needs for nutrients are very high and different at each age, so mothers need to pay attention to choosing milk for their children. Whole milk powder is rich in nutrients, but has some ingredients that are not suitable for the absorption of nutrients and cause damage to the intestinal mucosa of young children. Therefore, the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend: whole milk powder should not be used for babies younger than 12 months old. Breast milk is still best for babies and young children.