ABSTRACT

Malnutrition is a worldwide problem that has a negative impact on the physical health, development, and ability to recover of children. Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) is prevalent in pregnant women, the elderly, and small children and is a primary cause of obesity in developing nations. Vitamin A, iron, iodine, zinc, and folate are necessary for maintaining a well-rounded diet and promoting optimal nutrition. Approximately 33% of individuals in sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to these essential nutrients, which has a detrimental impact on their mental and physical well-being, energy levels, and economic development. Oral microbial communities, such as Streptococcus and Enterococcus, have an impact on human health and the development of diseases. Malnutrition heightens the susceptibility to infection and death, particularly in infants under the age of five, with diarrhoea and respiratory diseases being the primary contributors to mortality. Gaining a more profound comprehension of the oral microbiota can facilitate the development of more effective management strategies. Children with comorbidities who experience severe malnutrition face a fourfold increase in their chance of mortality. It is crucial for medical practitioners to give priority to the diagnosis and treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children, as the presence of comorbidities raises the risk of death for highly malnourished children by a factor of four.