Kids need lots of food to ensure they grow up fast and strong.
Good and healthy nutrition is essential during the early years of life.
But what happens when your child does not have much appetite?
We had a chat with pharmacist Nazatul Amira Hamzah, to help parents learn more about what they can do when their kids are just not in the mood to eat.
Q1: What are some common causes of children’s low appetite?
The following list outlines potential causes of your child’s poor appetite:
- Children frequently have a decreased appetite at times of minor illness or discomfort. These may include colds, gastrointestinal problems, or teething pain.
- Excessive pressure from parents or caregivers inhibits children from enjoying their meals, leading to a distaste of specific foods.
- Many young children suffer from neophobia, a fear of trying new foods, and their parents often perceive them as fussy eaters.
- Too much intake of sugary foods and beverages can reduce a child’s appetite for nutrient-dense meals.
- In some children, refusal to eat may be an attention-seeking behaviour which indicates a problem in the parent-child relationship.
- Distractions at mealtime, as well as an emphasis on mealtime behaviours and table manners that are improper for the child’s age, create a hostile environment and discourage children from eating.
- Stress caused by problems at home or school could impair children’s appetite.
- Certain diseases and medications can disrupt children’s normal bowel function in children, suppressing their appetite directly or indirectly.
Q2: How can parents tell the difference between regular appetite swings and more serious appetite issues?
Occasional appetite changes are common, particularly during growth spurts or following illness.
However, if the child experiences consistent weight loss, fatigue, or a lack of energy over a long period of time, this may suggest an underlying problem that requires medical attention.
Q3: How can underlying health conditions that may cause a child’s reduced appetite be identified?
A doctor should examine your child and obtain a full history of their eating habits, including normal portion sizes, time taken to complete a typical meal, and mealtime environment.
Certain lab tests may also be necessary to diagnose anaemia and vitamin deficiencies.
If your child shows no signs of underlying illnesses, enjoys most of their meals, and grows healthy, the problem is usually due to parents’ unreasonable expectations.
Q4: What medical conditions are commonly linked to reduced appetite in kids?
Health issues that can cause poor appetite in children include anaemia, hypothyroidism, chronic infections, and gastrointestinal problems.
Psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression may also play a role.
Q5: Can low appetite in children be a sign of an underlying nutrient deficiency?
Yes, poor appetite can indicate underlying deficiencies in nutrients like iron, zinc or vitamins, which affect overall energy and health.
Your paediatrician may recommend tests and appropriate supplements if a deficiency is suspected.
Q6: What are some examples of medicines that may interfere with appetite?
Antibiotics, medicines to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and some antidepressants can all suppress appetite.
If this happens, you should discuss with your child’s doctor if a dosage adjustment is required or if taking the medicines with food would be helpful to minimise the drug’s side effect on appetite.
Q7: Are there any common dietary habits or patterns that may be related to a child’s poor appetite?
Your child is more likely to experience low appetite if they skip breakfast, continue to snack on junk food, or consume excessive amounts of liquids before meals, such as milk or juice.
Q8: Are there specific food groups or nutrients that can naturally stimulate appetite in children?
Protein-rich foods (like chicken or beans), complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains), and healthy fats (e.g., nuts, seeds and oils) can increase energy and stimulate appetite.
Q9: Are there over-the-counter supplements or vitamins that can help improve my child’s appetite?
You may consider the following options to help boost your child’s appetite, under the guidance of your healthcare provider:
- Multivitamins containing B-complex vitamins, iron, zinc, and lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid that promotes appetite and satiety.
- Probiotics containing strains like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium may help promote children’s gut health and thereby improve their appetite.
- Digestive enzymes improve your child’s ability to process certain foods.
Q10: How can parents increase their child’s appetite and make a healthy food plan for them?
Addressing your child’s low appetite requires a holistic approach and long-term nutrition strategies:
- Choose nutritious food of appropriate texture and taste for the child’s age, and provide structured meals and snacks. As long as they grow appropriately, you should allow your child to decide how much and what they eat.
- Offer smaller, more frequent meals, with a focus on nutrient-dense foods such as avocados, eggs, and cheese, smoothies, and fortified cereals. You can always add more if your child eats everything on their plate.
- Help your child accept new foods by gradually introducing them over time and providing regular, neutral exposures.
- Limit your child’s time at the table to about 20 minutes. Once mealtime is over, remove all food and serve it again at the next planned meal or snack.
- Serve nutritious snacks in between meals. However, do not give your child snacks if the timing or amount would interfere with their appetite for the following meal.
- Encourage your child to play and exercise to stimulate appetite. However, you should allow them to settle down 10-15 mins before mealtimes to ensure they are not too tired or overstimulated.
- Do not force or coax your kid to eat. Bribes, threats and punishments do not help in healthy eating.
- Do not allow any potential distractions such as toys, books or electronic devices at the table during mealtimes.
- Make mealtimes as something that your child looks forward to by creating a calm, supportive environment.
- Encourage your family members to eat together whenever possible. Eating with the family provides the toddler with a pleasurable social experience and the opportunity to learn by imitation.
- If malnutrition is a concern, you should consult with your pediatrician to see if giving your child a meal replacement designed for kids is appropriate and which product would be best for them.
Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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