HanoiBaby Linh, 10 years old, has lost hair in patches the size of a hand on both sides of her ears for the past three months. Her mother is worried about cancer, but the doctor diagnosed a severe micronutrient deficiency due to anorexia.
On April 22, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh, Head of Nutrition Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said that little Linh lacked vitamin D and severe protein, causing hair loss. After three weeks of following the prescription and menu, the baby’s hair grew back.
Linh’s hair fell out in patches on both sides of her ears. Image: Tam Anh General Hospital
The little girl said she was anorexic since childhood, only eating about 1/4 bowl of rice. Baby does not eat fish, fruit and fatty meat; rarely eat eggs.
Dr. Thanh said that an unbalanced menu (lack of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates) causes the baby to lack nutrients. BMI 16.5 (normal index 18.5-24.9) shows that the baby is malnourished, lacks muscle, and lacks 60-70% fat.
Children gain weight slowly and malnutrition due to a diet that does not provide enough nutrition can lead to hair loss. Protein, fat, and carbohydrates are necessary for cell activity and hair nourishment. Protein is a keratin component that makes up hair, helping to produce collagen for naturally shiny, strong hair. Protein deficiency in the body causes hair to become dry, weak, and fall out.
The minerals calcium, zinc, iron and vitamins B, C, D, E are necessary to nourish hair. Calcium is a mineral that helps strengthen bones and also supports healthy hair and reduces breakage. Iron deficiency in the body leads to anemia, poor nutrient transport, and hair is not provided with adequate nutrients.
Dr. Thanh recommends that children with anorexia, weight, and height do not meet the standards to see a doctor for appropriate treatment. Parents need to consider and evaluate the quantity and quality of their children’s food. If the child cannot eat this dish, parents can replace it by preparing other foods with equivalent energy value.