Development and validation of a tool to assess Agni bala and role of Ashwagandhadi leha with Agni deepana in the management of malnutrition in children

Compared to other stages, childhood is the stage when growth and development occurs. A healthy diet or good nutrition is the main factor in children’s growth and development. In developing nations like India, where there is still widespread poverty, illiteracy, and social ignorance, childhood malnutrition remains a serious public health concern. Child malnutrition is a pathological condition that results from poor nutrition, according to one definition. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals must all be a part of a growing child’s diet.

Malnutrition refers to both undernutrition and over nutrition and where undernutrition is characterized by low weight-for-age (underweight), length-for-age (stunting), or weight-for-length (wasting) and micronutrients deficiency.

Wasting is defined as low weight-for-length. It often indicates recent and severe weight loss, although it can also persist for a long time. It usually occurs when a person has not had food of adequate quality and quantity and/or they have had frequent or prolonged illnesses. Wasting in children is associated with a higher risk of death if not treated properly. Stunting is defined as low height-for-age. It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition, usually associated with poverty, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness and/or inappropriate feeding and care in early life. Stunting prevents children from reaching their physical and cognitive potential. Underweight is defined as low weight-for-age. A child who is underweight may be stunted, wasted or both.

Micronutrient deficiencies are a lack of vitamins and minerals that are essential for body functions such as producing enzymes, hormones and other substances needed for growth and development.

Progressive reducing appetite, encouraging catabolism, and increasing demand for nutrients, and repeated cases of morbidity exacerbate malnutrition. In addition, malnourished children are more vulnerable to systemic infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that incorrect dietary intake accounts for one-third of all cases of child malnutrition. The primary cause of death among children, according to UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2019 report, was malnutrition. Early-life chronic malnutrition stunts growth and development, retards brain development, and saps a child’s willpower and vitality.

Ailment called "Balashosha" by Acharya Vagbhatta is similar to malnutrition. Ayurveda lists three particular etiological factors: sleeping too much during the day, drinking too much cold water, and ingesting breast milk with a vitiated Kapha. The aetiology of this illness results from an abnormal accumulation of Kapha, which blocks the Rasavaha Srotas, hinders the nourishing of subsequent Dhatu like Rakta Mamsa and Meda, etc., and reduces children’s growth and development due to general Dhaatu kshaya. Arochaka (reduced digestive capacity), Pratishayaya (running nose), Jwara (fever), and*Kasa (*cough) are symptoms of recurring illness which are caused by immune system being severely damaged by calorie and protein shortage. Balashosha (emaciation) is brought on by such recurrent infections along with additional precipitating variables. Since Balshosha is a part of Aptarpanajanya Vyadhies, Santarpana Chikitsa must be involved in its management. Two things are implied by Santarpana Chikitsa: management of Agni and the feeding of Dhatu