The Dangers of Stunted Growth And How To Prevent It
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Time to read 5 min
Did you know that stunted growth is a global problem among children? It has been around for decades and is still a looming problem. There are a lot of causes why this is happening, and your children might be at risk.
But wait, don't panic! Because we are here to help you out. We have some awesome strategies to prevent stunted growth and ensure healthy development in kiddos. One of the key factors is making sure they get proper nutrition. Yep, feeding them a well-balanced diet packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and all the good stuff is super important for their growth.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the details and learn how to keep those little ones thriving and reaching their full potential. This article might be long, so prepare your notes because you will learn a lot. That said, let's begin!
First…What is Stunted Growth?
You know, when it comes to stunting, it's more than just a matter of height. Chronic malnutrition primarily causes a problem that affects many children, especially in developing countries. Typically, kids between 1 and 3 years old are the most vulnerable.
If we don't take steps to prevent our child's stunted growth, its effects can really stick as they grow up. And it's not just about missing out on being as tall as their peers, although that can impact opportunities in sports or certain jobs that require a specific height.
Stunted growth also brings along a bunch of other health complications that can mess with a child's ability to learn and thrive. One of these complications is cognitive impairment, which we'll dive into more deeply in a separate section.
But here's the thing: preventing stunting goes beyond just focusing on nutrition. It's about addressing other essential factors like clean water, sanitation facilities, and good hygiene practices. These things play a significant role in keeping stunting at bay.
Having access to clean water means kids can stay hydrated and avoid diseases that can lead to malnutrition. Sanitation facilities help keep their environment clean and free from harmful germs. And practicing good hygiene, like washing hands with soap before meals and after using the bathroom, can reduce the risk of infections and diseases.
So, it's not just about putting food on the table. It's about creating an environment where children have all the necessary resources to grow healthy and strong. By addressing these factors and promoting clean water, sanitation, and good hygiene practices, we can make a real difference in preventing stunting and giving kids a better chance at a bright future.
Data Says It All
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stunting has declined slightly as time passed. Reportedly, the global percentage of stunting was around 33.0% between 2000 and 2022. Based on WHO's data, the current state of stunting is sitting at 22.3% globally.
The top countries where stunting is most prominent are as follows:
- West and Central Africa - 32.5%
- East and Southern Africa - 32.3%
- South Asia - 31.8%
- Middle East and North Africa - 15.6%
- East Asia and Pacific 13-5%
From this data, you can see that neighboring countries are affecting each other when it comes to stunted growth. It is most prominent in some African countries where access to health care still needs to be on par with other developed countries.
Further Complications Caused By Stunted Growth
Stunted growth not only affects a child's height but also leads to other health complications. That includes a decline in their cognitive performance and a delay in motor development that will carry on as they age.
Study shows that children who experience stunting have lower cognitive scores than those who do not. However, children with catch-up growth showed no difference in cognitive performance compared to non-stunted ones.
It concludes that there is still a chance to recover a child's cognitive abilities. Parents all over the world can achieve this with proper nutrition, which is our next topic below.
Prevent Stunting With Proper Nutrition
The effects of stunted growth on your child's development are indeed alarming. Luckily, parents can do early prevention with the help of proper nutrition. As a parent, you have to give your little ones the nutrition they need so they can grow healthier and taller.
Here are some nutrition tips for you moms and dads out there!
Cut Back On Junk
Kids love junk food, and there's no denying that. Whether it's fries from Mcdonald's or Burger King's Whooper, junk is just… everywhere. The best thing you can do is to cut back your kids' junk intake. Instead, please give them a high-protein diet or healthier snacks like yogurt, muffins, oatmeal, or anything you can prepare at home.
High-protein Diet is Key
A high-protein diet is beneficial for your little ones' height growth. Protein helps build muscle mass and encourages the production of growth hormones essential for kids' nutritional needs. Protein-rich foods include eggs, milk, lean meat, leafy greens, Greek Yogurt, and lentils.
Encourage Fruits
Aside from a high-protein diet, it would help if you encouraged your kids to eat fruits. Offer them fruits as a dessert or afternoon snack after playing outside. Fruits contain many nutrients, such as vitamins C and D, potassium, fiber, folate, and more. The best part? You can turn fruits into anything! Turn fruits into a smoothie, add them to oatmeals, or transform them into jelly jam.
Breastfeed When Needed
This one is for the mom's out there! If your child is still an infant, regularly breastfeed them until they turn 1 to 2 years old. Breastfeed is packed with micronutrients and protein that will help prevent stunting.
Double Up Your Kid’s Nutrition with Supplements
Aside from preparing healthy meals for your little ones, you can also aid this with supplements. And we are pleased to share that TruHeight is the perfect partner for your kids' nutrition regarding supplements.
So why choose TruHeight? Here are good reasons why!
All-Natural
At TruHeight, our commitment to giving only the best for our consumers shows within our products. This reason is why we only use natural ingredients in all our supplements. It means no added sugar, no preservatives, and no artificial flavoring.
Variety
We have plenty of products that are suited for everyone. There are gummies, capsules, and even protein powders too! Our products are suitable not only for kids and teens but also for toddlers.
Clinically Tested
Our experts conduct rigorous clinical testing on all our products before we sell them. This way, it guarantees that our products are highly effective. The results reveal an 86.66% increase in height growth for children who participated in our expert's clinical trials.
Avoid Stunted Growth by Nurturing Your Child!
Our responsibility as parents is to prioritize our children's growth and health. Preventing stunted growth is just the beginning, and there will be more challenges to tackle as they grow old. But if you stick around and guide your little one through it, you'd definitely make a great team to overcome such obstacles. Enjoy the journey ahead!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Geisha Xanthein, a seasoned writer and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), empowers parents with insightful blogs on children's and toddlers' nutrition
This article is Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Milobsky, MD, Board Certified Pediatrician — Updated on January 30, 2024
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*Individual results may vary. Factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle play a role in achieving desired outcomes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
