Currently, the nutritional anthropometric index based on z cores is widely used to classify malnutrition as well as assess and monitor the nutritional status of an individual or community. So what are the types of malnutrition classification?
1. How to classify malnutrition
To identify whether a child is malnourished, the easiest way to apply is to rely on the weight-by-age chart. If the child’s weight line does not increase within 3 months, also known as stagnant weight, the child is at risk of malnutrition. If the child’s weight line is below the standard line of the weight chart, it means that the child is malnourished.
To accurately assess the types of malnutrition and classify malnutrition in children, the nutritional anthropometric index based on z cores is used because of its objectivity and high sensitivity. In addition, this tool is also used to monitor and track the nutritional status of not only an individual but also a population and community.
2. Classification of malnutrition
Classification of malnutrition based on anthropometric indicators assesses the malnutrition status of children according to indicators, including weight, height, BMI for age and weight for height.
Classification of malnutrition in children includes the following types:
- Malnutrition: Children with a weight index below -2SD for age, meaning that the child is malnourished. However, it cannot assess the period of time the child has been malnourished. Therefore, this is the basic and first indicator used to detect early whether the child is malnourished or not, then, based on other indicators such as height, BMI, weight for height to assess and conclude the malnutrition status of the child.
Acute malnutrition: According to age, the child has a normal height index, however, the child’s weight for height index is below -2SD. This means that the child is newly malnourished because the diet does not meet the child’s needs. - Chronic malnutrition has recovered: According to the classification of malnutrition based on z cores, if a child has a height index below -2SD for age but a normal weight-for-height index, it means that the child has been severely malnourished for a long time. This condition affects the child’s growth in stature, but the child has now recovered. Nutrition experts recommend that children with such nutritional status should be monitored to avoid the risk of obesity because the child is short.
- Progressive chronic malnutrition: According to the classification of malnutrition based on z cores, if a child has a height index below -2SD for age and a weight-for-height index below -2SD, it means that the child has been malnourished for a long time but this condition has progressed to the present time.
- Fetal malnutrition: If after birth, the child has a weight index of less than 2.5 kg, a length of less than 48cm and a head circumference of less than 5cm, it means that the child has fetal malnutrition.
Fetal malnutrition is one type of malnutrition in children.
3. Assessing the nutritional status of children according to z cores
Below is the assessment of the status of malnutrition in children under 19 years old based on specific z core anthropometric indexes:
3.1 Weight index for age based on z cores
- Weight <-3SD: Children under 9 years old are malnourished, classified as underweight, severe malnutrition.
- Weight <-2SD: Children under 9 years old are malnourished, classified as underweight, moderate malnutrition.
- -2SD<Weight <2SD: Children with normal nutrition
- Weight >2SD: Overweight children
- Weight >3SD: Obese children
3.2 Height index for age based on z cores
- Height <-3SD: Children under 19 years old are malnourished, classified as stunted, severe malnutrition.
- Height <-2SD: Children under 19 years old are malnourished, classified as stunted, moderate malnutrition.
- -2SD <Height <2SD: Children with normal nutrition
3.3 BMI index by age based on z cores
- BMI <-3SD: Children under 5 years old or 10 – 19 years old are malnourished with wasting, children 5 – 9 years old are malnourished with severe underweight.
- BMI <-2SD: Children under 5 years old or 10 – 19 years old are malnourished with wasting, children 5 – 9 years old are malnourished with moderate underweight.
- -2SD <BMI< 2SD: Children with normal nutrition.
- BMI >2SD: Overweight children
- BMI >3SD: Obese children
3.4 Weight-for-height index based on z cores
- Weight/height <-3SD: Children under 19 years old are malnourished, classified as emaciated, severe malnutrition.
- Weight/height <-2SD: Children under 19 years old are malnourished, classified as emaciated, moderate malnutrition.
- – -2SD <Weight/height <2SD: Children with normal nutrition.
- Weight/height >2SD: Overweight children
- Weight/height >3SD: Obese children
Classification of malnutrition by anthropometric index z cores uses weight, height, BMI by age and weight by height index to most accurately assess malnutrition.
Parents can rely on the above criteria to assess their child’s health status in order to have appropriate care for each age of the child.
For children to be healthy and develop well, they need a nutritional regimen that ensures quantity and balance of quality. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients that negatively affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills.
Children who do not eat properly are at risk of lacking micronutrients, causing anorexia, slow growth, poor absorption, etc. If you notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with support products containing lysine, essential micronutrients and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance the ability to absorb nutrients, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
