Lack of appetite in children

#Lack #appetite #children

From the moment we become parents, a series of worries and confusions begin related to each stage of our child’s life. But the stage that concerns us most of the time is related to their nutrition and feeding with the beginning of diversification.

Decreased appetite in children is a common symptom, especially between 2-6 years. Even if it’s stressful to see your child refuse food (I’ve been through this too), sometimes this can be normal. If the child has a cold or is going through a period of change, low appetite is not a sign of concern. But if you notice a significant weight loss or other symptoms related to this (anorexia/bulimia), then a medical consultation should be requested.

What can be the causes of low appetite?

Stress/anxiety – even if many consider that during childhood there are no reasons for stress, well every change in their life (the start of kindergarten, conflicts in the family, aggressive behaviors of colleagues, academic pressure and other external factors) can influence appetite
Viral and bacterial infections – especially sore throats, stomach aches, diarrhea, fever, headaches are just some of the examples that can change the appetite. But with adequate treatment and with the improvement of the symptoms, the appetite returns
Age – the fastest growth rate is in the first year, after which things change along the way. Decreased appetite in certain phases of growth are considered normal (tooth eruption, mental leap, growth spurt, sleep regression, etc.)
Anemia – is another plausible cause of decreased appetite in children. They usually present inexplicable fatigue, pallor, restlessness and irritability. Also, school performance can be influenced

Constipation – the common cause of lack of appetite, but it can be easily solved with a suitable diet
Intestinal parasitosis – infection achieved by touching the surfaces and bringing the hands to the mouth
Some medicines – certain antibiotics or medications for ADHD can have as a side effect the decrease of appetite
Nutritional deficiencies – iron, zinc or vitamin b12 are known for their negative effects on appetite
Improper family conditions – the conflicting states between the parents or their disinterest in the child, can cause the child’s lack of appetite and refusal to feed

A physical exam can help identify health problems that could be responsible for a lack of appetite. The doctor can check if there are signs of dehydration, pallor, swelling, the appearance of the skin and conjunctivae.

Later, certain laboratory tests may be requested:

Blood count with leukocyte formula and erythrocyte indices – shows if there is anemia or an infection
Sideremia – shows the level of circulating iron
Ferritin – represents iron deposits in the body
Vitamin B12
Calcium
magnesium
vitamin D
Thyroid hormones (TSH and fT4)
Zinc

Strategies for stimulating the appetite:

1. Breakfast – a balanced and nutritious breakfast stimulates the metabolism and sets the tone for the whole day (eggs prepared in creative ways, whole grains with fresh fruit, yogurt with homemade granola and sweetened with honey). Also, their involvement in preparing and choosing breakfast (and not only) can increase their interest in this important meal
2. Fixed meal times – a routine is created that prepares the child’s body and mind for food. This approach helps prevent excessive hunger and total lack of appetite at meal times
3. Foods rich in nutrients – healthy fats (avocado, fish), fibers (whole grains, vegetables), proteins (eggs, meat, dairy), berries (rich in antioxidants). Food should also be rich in essential nutrients – as I said above about iron (lean red meat, spinach, lentils, beans), zinc (seafood, pumpkin seeds, lean meat, whole grains) and vitamin B12 (animal products)

4. Healthy snacks and desserts – smoothies made from fruits and vegetables, homemade ice cream from frozen fruits and yogurt, homemade cereal bars, hummus with raw vegetables, dried fruits and nuts.
5. Avoiding processed foods – fast food, sweets, carbonated and sweetened drinks, chips
6. Avoiding electronic devices (television, tablet, phone) – they can lead to overeating or, on the contrary, to ignoring the sensations of hunger and satiety.
7. The appearance of the food – significantly influences children’s appetite. The techniques of creating a “girl” from vegetables on a plate in funny shapes can attract their attention.

8. Physical activity – encouraging physical exercises (biking, swimming, any sport) helps to increase the metabolic rate, improving digestion.
9. Hydration – essential for maintaining a healthy appetite and for the optimal functioning of the body. A glass of water 30 minutes before a meal can stimulate the appetite
10. Sleep – establishing a consistent sleep routine with fixed bedtimes and wake-up times, limiting exposure to screens 2 hours before bedtime. A well-rested child will have a healthier appetite and energy for daily activities

11. natural supplements: multivitamins for children, Lion Kids +D, is a multivitamin complex that specialists recommend. It is available in the form of chewable tablets with a pleasant taste, specially created for the needs of children. It should be noted that they do not contain sugar, they only have natural sweetener – xylitol – which reduces the risk of tooth decay. It also supports and protects the children’s immune system.

12. Natural stimulants:

– ginger: increases the production of gastric juices, thus improving digestion and stimulating the appetite;
-mint: digestive calming effect, has antispasmodic properties, and reduces the feeling of fullness;
-fennel: reduces abdominal discomfort, increases the secretion of digestive enzymes and stimulates the appetite (consumed 30 minutes before the meal)
-cinnamon: it is a versatile spice with multiple benefits, among which it stimulates appetite by regulating blood sugar levels, preventing sudden fluctuations

When do we alarm and request medical assistance?

– When there is a general refusal to eat (here I am referring to solids and liquids, including water) appearing suddenly and lasting more than 8 hours, associated with other symptoms of the disease (persistent fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, severe constipation, headaches, behavioral changes)
– For several weeks, constantly, continues this refusal to feed associated with significant weight loss (more than 5%) – anorexia
– Signs of malnutrition – constant fatigue, dry and fragile skin, thin and brittle hair, delays in physical and cognitive development, increased susceptibility to infections
– In the case of babies, if they do not feed normally, if they are sleepy and show signs of loss of appetite

Health above all!

Bibliography:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24228-loss-of-appetite
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603
https://www.healthline.com/health/appetite-decreased
https://atlasuniversitesihastanesi.com/en/nutrition-in-children-with-poor-appetite/#:~:text=Lack%20of%20appetite%20can%20be,the%20appearance%20of%20the%20food.

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