The Influence of Illnesses on the Food Intake of Young Children

Abstract

The effect of illness on the food intake of 125 preschool children in a residential home was studied. The children had a mean of 6.8 episodes of illness per child per year. Upper respiratory infections, diarrhoeas and fevers depressed food intake by 15-20%. Measles resulted in prolonged and profound depression of appetite, and caused weight losses in the affected children. The number of days of depressed appetite due to illness had a cumulative effect on growth; poor increases in height and weight were seen in these children who had many days of reduced appetite due to illness. Measles vaccination is strongly recommended for improved growth and nutritional status of preschool children.