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Malnutrition
Most children adopted from orphanages abroad have some degree of nutritional deprivation. The malnutrition that adoptive children suffer from is usually
mild to moderate. Those children with severe nutritional deprivation are not usually selected for adoption.
The severity of malnutrition depends upon the child's age at
the onset of malnutrition, the length of time it persists and the presence of any other existing medical conditions. Severe malnutrition can present as permanent cognitive, behavioral and social deficiencies.
Children with mild to moderate malnutrition
can grow and gain weight with well-balanced meals, snacks and multivitamins. Generally there is a good outcome if the child's diet is improved before age three. The longer there is nutritional deprivation the lower the chance of the child reaching normal size and intelligence.
Catch up growth can continue for years after the child has been placed in his adoptive home. His recovery is complete when his height and weight are
in proportion and he is steadily progressing on the growth chart.
Achild who does not have accelerated growth and suffers from growth failure should have a complete medical workup. The most common cause is
non organic failure to thrive.
Rickets and iron deficiency anemia are very common, affecting almost all adopted children. Rickets is a vitamin D deficiency that can lead to permanent bony deformities. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to utilize calcium for bone growth. Both of these respond to a well-balanced diet with iron and vitamin D supplements.
In general, a child with mild to moderate malnutrition can go on to have a good outcome after adoption.
Cindy Sundman, RN, BSN |
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