Abstract

Background: Undernutrition is caused mostly by an inadequate diet and recurrent infection, which results in an insufficient intake of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Undernourished children are more likely to develop serious infections, and chronic cases might also result in long-term developmental issues. Ayurveda understands this clinical presentation under the ambit of ‘Karshya’ wherein specific guidelines of management have been identified. Objective: Objective of this review is to explore the Ayurveda insights on undernutrition with respect to Karshya and related paediatric specific clinical conditions of various age groups. Methods: In this scientific review, various contexts of Ayurveda are referred to give a brief idea about the aetio-pathogenesis and treatment protocol of Karshya. Only undernutrition was considered under the heading of malnutrition. Online databases were also scrutinised for Ayurveda related research findings on the topic. Results: The key predisposing factor for this condition is the faulty diet habits, like Alpasana (Inadequate consumption) and Vishamasana (Irregular diet habits) and poor Agni (Digestive mechanism). Identified clinical conditions in Ayurveda suggests various clinical stages of dietetic deficiencies from infancy throughout the childhood including ‘Kumarasosha’, ‘Parigarbhika’, ‘Phakka Roga’ and ‘Ati Karshya’. The management strategies are to be planned according to the aetio-pathogenesis identified under the involvement of Dosha (Body humor) and stage of the clinical condition. Conclusion: The present review reveals that, by taking various stages of undernutrition and age of the child into consideration along with the clinical symptoms, the line of treatment should be decided keeping the Dosha, Dhatu (Body tissues), Agni and Prakriti (Body constitution) into consideration. Although Brimhana (Nutritive) therapy is indicated, mere supplementation without consideration of body metabolism will not serve the purpose. Following proper diet and lifestyle is the key to successful management to tackle cognitive effects of undernutrition in children.

Key words: Agni, Kuposhana Janya Vyadhi, Laghu Santarpana, Metabolism, Protein energy undernutrition