Even if children appear well-proportioned or physically strong on the outside, they may be experiencing the "Triple Burden"—a triple-dimensional malnutrition problem involving undernutrition, deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as overweight or obesity.
Associate Professor Dr. Suchaorn Sangniphankul, Pediatrician at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, said that normally we are familiar with undernutrition in young children known as the Double Burden, which includes underweight or stunted growth and overweight or obesity. However, currently, micronutrient deficiencies—lack of important vitamins and minerals—have emerged as a third aspect, forming the Triple Burden, which can be found even in children who appear normal with weight and height within standard ranges, as well as in children who are overweight or obese.
The Triple Burden or the three-dimensional nutritional problem facing Thai children are as follows:
1. Undernutrition: Children who are thinner or shorter than standard. Although this tends to decrease, it is still found among vulnerable groups such as premature infants, low birth weight babies, and children with chronic diseases.
2. Overnutrition: The problem of childhood obesity, which is rapidly increasing and showing progressively severe levels.
3. Micronutrient Deficiency: Lack of vitamins and minerals, also called Hidden Hunger, which is the most concerning aspect because it can occur even in children with normal body shapes or even "obese children."
Methods to prevent and address the Triple Burden
To protect children from the Triple Burden, parents and caregivers can take the following actions:
1. Do not be complacent just because your child’s weight is within the normal range. If your child starts showing picky eating habits or difficulty eating, consult a doctor for a detailed dietary history, as external appearance does not guarantee complete nutrition.
2. Screening is crucial, especially screening for anemia between 9-12 months of age to check red blood cell concentration levels. Iron deficiency anemia is a common and important issue in young children.
3. Emphasize dietary diversity to promote good gut health and prevent deficiencies of important vitamins and minerals.
4. Use nutritional supplements for picky eaters. For children who still have limited diets, selecting products like Young Child Formula fortified with essential nutrients such as iron, vitamins, and minerals, or supplementing key vitamins and minerals under medical supervision, can support adequate nutrition for brain and body development while parents work to improve their child's eating habits.
All of this is because good nutrition is not just about making children full or overweight, but ensuring they receive complete nutrients. Awareness of the Triple Burden and regular screening can help prevent problems that could harm a child's lifelong potential.
Information from Associate Professor Dr. Suchaorn Sangniphankul, Pediatrician, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, from the lecture titled "The Relevancy of YCF in Thai Children: Bridging the Iron Gap and Tackling Thailand’s Triple Burden," organized by the Pediatric and Infant Food Manufacturers Association (PNMA).