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Paediatric pain and malnutrition in low-income countries: A narrative review

Sarah Mingels1

  • 1Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium.

Nutrition and Health
|April 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Malnutrition in children may lead to systemic chronic inflammation (SCI) and alter brain development, potentially causing long-term pain. A holistic approach is needed to address this complex issue.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Nutritional Science
  • Pain Research

Background:

  • Paediatric pain is prevalent but poorly understood, particularly in low-income settings.
  • Systemic chronic inflammation (SCI) may underlie persistent pain and is linked to malnutrition.
  • Understanding this link is crucial for effective pain management in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential association between paediatric pain and malnutrition in low-income countries.
  • To explore the mechanisms linking malnutrition, SCI, and pain perception in children.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a narrative review of literature.
  • Performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.
  • Utilized keywords related to malnutrition, pain, SCI, and paediatric populations.

Main Results:

  • Malnutrition can impact nociceptive brain development and alter pain perception throughout life.
  • Moderate acute malnutrition can induce chronic inflammation and hyper-inflammatory responses.
  • Systemic inflammation is associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain sensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • Malnutrition may contribute to developing a nociceptive brain and SCI, predisposing children to chronic pain.
  • The current biophysical approach to paediatric pain may require revision.
  • A multidimensional, interdisciplinary approach incorporating nutritional and microbiome interventions is recommended.

Keywords:
Painmalnutritionpaediatricreviewsystemic chronic inflammation

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