recovery
Last reviewed 01/2018
The first stage of recovery from malnutrition may be an apparent paradox - a loss in weight. This is a result of reduction in the amount of oedema. Subsequently recovery is as follows:
- improvement in mood - after about two weeks
- improvement in appetite, such that the child takes food when it is presented. The child can then be fed ad lib, with increasing caloric intake.
- increase in weight over the next two weeks, which then levels off
The aim is to reach 80% of weight for the height of the child. The child can then be transferred to a diet appropriate for age.