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Suggest Remedy For Low Appetite
Girl: aged 3.5 years lack of appetite My daughter aged 3.5 years is a very poor eater & fussy; she hardly eat 1 chapati or fruits, take 1 cup milk only daily. She don’t try new foods as well. Don’t take snacks between meals, still doesn’t finish her plate. She does not finish her teffin also. She is hyperactive and always wants to play. I do not know whether it is lack of appetite or just no interest in food. Her height is normal and weight is about 12 kg. I am giving her zincovit multivitamin (5ml) daily, still her appetite is not improving. Please suggest.
Sat, 2 Sep 2023
Hello,
Most children are picky eaters. As long as it is not affecting the activity and growth of the child you need not worry. You have mentioned that the height is normal. She is just a kg or 2 less for her age therefore, don't worry too much. You can try the following tips to help your child eat better. If you have not dewormed her in last 6 months then may be you can give single dose of albendazole (400mg).
If she has constipation then that can make her eat less. So look into it that she is well hydrated and not constipated. Anemia is another cause for low appetite. If you feel that her lips and eyes looks pale then may be you can consult and get tested for anemia. To improve appetite always make smart food choices. For time being stop introducing newer varies of food and try to give what she likes. Keep a constant time gap between meals. Try to add food that adds more calories like paneer, peanuts, plantain banana etc.
Ginger and peanuts are appetite stimulants. Try to include these in the diet. Peanuts also helps in weight gain. Try to bring more colors in the child's meal to keep it more attractive. If the child's appetite is not normal after following these tips and if she is not gaining height /weight it is better to take her to a pediatrician to get evaluated for the cause.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Praseetha Narayanan, OB & GYN Specialist
Most children are picky eaters. As long as it is not affecting the activity and growth of the child you need not worry. You have mentioned that the height is normal. She is just a kg or 2 less for her age therefore, don't worry too much. You can try the following tips to help your child eat better. If you have not dewormed her in last 6 months then may be you can give single dose of albendazole (400mg).
If she has constipation then that can make her eat less. So look into it that she is well hydrated and not constipated. Anemia is another cause for low appetite. If you feel that her lips and eyes looks pale then may be you can consult and get tested for anemia. To improve appetite always make smart food choices. For time being stop introducing newer varies of food and try to give what she likes. Keep a constant time gap between meals. Try to add food that adds more calories like paneer, peanuts, plantain banana etc.
Ginger and peanuts are appetite stimulants. Try to include these in the diet. Peanuts also helps in weight gain. Try to bring more colors in the child's meal to keep it more attractive. If the child's appetite is not normal after following these tips and if she is not gaining height /weight it is better to take her to a pediatrician to get evaluated for the cause.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Praseetha Narayanan, OB & GYN Specialist
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