Understanding Sex Differences in Childhood Undernutrition: A Narrative Review
Susan Thurstans1, Charles Opondo2,3, Andrew Seal4
1Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
Nutrients
|March 10, 2022
Summary
Boys face higher risks of undernutrition, including wasting and stunting, from early life due to a complex interplay of biological and social factors. This vulnerability is more pronounced in severe cases and disadvantaged settings, requiring further research for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Nutritional Science
- Sex Differences in Health
Background:
- Recent meta-analysis indicates boys are more prone to undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight) than girls.
- Early life factors influencing these sex-based disparities require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a narrative review exploring early life mechanisms behind sex differences in child undernutrition.
- To examine maternal, newborn, immunological, endocrinological, evolutionary, and care practice factors.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Exploration of themes including maternal and newborn characteristics, immunology, endocrinology, evolutionary biology, care practices, and anthropometric indices.
Main Results:
- Evidence is limited, but a complex interaction of social, environmental, and genetic factors likely underlies sex differences in undernutrition.
- Boys exhibit greater undernutrition from the fetal period, especially during food deprivation, with differences amplified in severe cases and deprived contexts.
- Boys' higher vulnerability to infectious disease and differing immune/endocrine systems contribute to undernutrition risk. Sociological factors and care practices may also play a role.
Conclusions:
- Sex differences in child undernutrition are multifactorial, involving biological, social, and environmental influences.
- Boys' increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and distinct immune/endocrine profiles are key factors.
- Further research is crucial to understand these differences and inform prevention and treatment strategies for child undernutrition.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
260
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
260
01:10Nature and Nurture
20.9K
Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience,...
20.9K
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
91
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
91
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
339
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
339
01:43Sex-linked Disorders
103.3K
Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
103.3K
01:18Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
14
Self-esteem, a crucial component of psychological development, is significantly shaped by familial experiences. The early parent-child relationship serves as a foundational influence on a child's self-concept, with long-lasting effects extending into adolescence and adulthood.Parental Behaviors and Early Self-Esteem FormationEmpirical studies have identified four principal parental behaviors that foster healthy self-esteem in children. These include expressions of acceptance, affection, and...
14