Will a child's picky eating habits be found to be malnourished during a physical examination?

Children's picky eating habits may lead to malnutrition detected during physical examinations. Being picky and selective about food may lead to problems such as protein deficiency, vitamin deficiency, imbalance of trace elements, delayed growth and development, and weakened immunity. It is recommended that parents intervene in a timely manner.

1. Protein deficiency

Long term picky eating may reduce the intake of high protein foods such as meat and eggs, leading to low levels of plasma total protein or albumin. Physical examination can reveal a decrease in serum prealbumin, and in severe cases, edema type malnutrition may occur. Parents should supplement high-quality protein through easily accepted forms such as egg custard and fish paste, and if necessary, use nutritional supplements such as pediatric amino acid oral solutions under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Vitamin deficiency

Exclusion of vegetables and fruits may lead to deficiencies in vitamins A, C, and B. Physical examination shows signs such as corneal dry spots and gum bleeding, and abnormal serum vitamin test values. It is recommended to mix broccoli, carrots, and other vegetables and fruits into a puree for consumption, or follow medical advice to supplement with vitamin AD drops, compound vitamin B tablets, and other preparations.

3. Trace element imbalance

Refusing to eat red meat and animal liver can easily lead to iron deficiency anemia. Physical examination shows hemoglobin levels below 110g/L and decreased serum ferritin. Try to add pig liver powder to Congee to promote absorption with vitamin C. Doctors may recommend iron dextran oral solution, iron protein succinate oral solution and other iron supplements.

4. Delayed growth and development

Continuous inadequate nutrient intake can cause height and weight to be lower than the same age standard, and physical examination shows a decrease in the percentile of the growth curve. Bone age testing may be delayed, and blood biochemistry suggests a decrease in insulin-like growth factor-1. Regular monitoring of growth data is necessary, and energy can be supplemented through fortified nutritional formula milk powder. In severe cases, pediatric endocrinology intervention is necessary.

5. Decreased immunity

Children with malnutrition often have decreased lymphocyte counts and low levels of immunoglobulin IgG during physical examinations. A history of recurrent respiratory infections is an important indication, which may manifest as insufficient antibody production after vaccination. It is recommended to supplement zinc containing foods such as oyster powder, and if necessary, use oral freeze-dried powder of splenic aminopeptides to regulate immunity. Parents should regularly take their children for child health check ups, with a focus on blood routine, trace elements, bone density, and other items. Establish a regular dining environment, chop resistant foods and mix them with preferred ingredients to avoid psychological resistance caused by forced eating. If the physical examination shows abnormal indicators, an individualized dietary plan should be developed under the guidance of a clinical nutritionist, combined with nutritional supplements for treatment, and the nutritional status should be rechecked every 3 months. For individuals with abnormal eating behavior or developmental disorders, it is recommended to also assess psychological and behavioral issues.