MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN IN THE AGE GROUP FROM ZERO TO FIVE YEARS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Protein-energy malnutrition in children under five years of age is a public health problem in Brazil. It transcends lack of weight and height, encompassing factors such as family disintegration, emotional and socioeconomic deficiencies, lack of stimulation and adaptive deficiencies. This study seeks to verify the importance of correct nutrition in preventing and controlling child malnutrition. To this end, the causes of malnutrition in children aged 0 to 5 years, the nutritional profile of these children and the role of nurses in caring for malnourished children will be analyzed. To carry out the research, a bibliographical search was carried out on the scientific article search platforms Google Academic and Scielo. The study showed that malnutrition is the result of a combination of negative factors in society, including the lack of government interest in the social area and education. Access to a balanced diet is a challenge for the poorest sections of the population, making child malnutrition a serious problem in many parts of the country. The family, especially the mother, plays a fundamental role in promoting a healthy diet for children. Reusing parts of food, such as peels and stalks of vegetables, is an alternative to increasing the nutritional value of the diet. This study is relevant to understanding child malnutrition and the role of correct nutrition in its prevention and control.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.037-008