Undernutrition

Undernutrition denotes inadequate intake of energy and nutrients to meet an individual’s needs to maintain good health. Undernutrition is considered as a “silent emergency” according to UNICEF. It remains a persistent problem in the Indian population being responsible for nearly half of under-5 mortality. Undernutrition causes both short- and long-lasting effects in the form of recurrent infections and retarded physical and mental development. Loss of appetite is an important cause as well as consequence of undernutrition. Homeopathic Alfalfa tonic is used to improve appetite and aid weight gain in children suffering from undernutrition. The study was conducted to study whether Alfalfa tonic or homoeopathic indicated medicine is effective in the treatment of undernutrition.