OK, I need someone patient with a long attention span...?

Question

because my question is long and complicated. I've heard that malnutrition in children can stunt their growth and brain developement, but I was wondering whether it's is the lack of vitamins and minerals that causes this or the lack of calories? What if a child was consuming as little *** 800kcal per day but was somehow recieving all the right vitamins and minerals?

I AM not giving a child 800kcal a day, I don't even have one!

Answer 1

Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body does not get the right amount of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function.
The leading cause of death in children in third-world countries who are malnourished is a lack of protein-energy (calories). If the child is any older than 5 months, 800 calories would be too few. The child would not be able to get enough nutrients in so few calories. The amount of calories needed differs depending upon the child's age. This site will detail the amount of calories necessary with all the vitamin and mineral requirements:
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/nutrition/calorie_requirements.html

Answer 2

I wonder why a child would only be given 800 cal per day. That sounds very dangerous.

Answer 3

I'm not sure but I would say it was from lack of vitamins and minerals.

Answer 4

I wonder this myself. But I am no expert and what makes you think anyone on Yahoo Answers is an expert? Ask a doctor.

Answer 5

are you starving your child a child needs way more then 800 espically since they are growing yes if you don't give them enough calories it can stunt them

Answer 6

both