Abstract:

Background: Malnutrition is a clinical case that stems from inadequate intake of one or more nutritional elements and results in an imbalance within the body. In its etiopathogenesis, feeding problems, protein and energy deficiency and particularly insufficiency of mTOR protein and blood amino acids are listed. In this study, we aimed to examine free plasma amino-acid profile and mTOR protein level in children with growth and developmental delay. Materials and Methods: In our study, mTOR and blood amino acid levels were compared among 48 malnourished children aged 0-18 years who were admitted to our hospital's pediatric outpatient clinic and whose height and weight were below the three percentile and 47 healthy controls. Results: The study were included 48 patients and 47 healthy children. Although mTOR and aminoacid levels were expected to be low in malnourished children, there was no significant difference between the control and patient groups. Conclusion: Even though mTOR level and amino-acid profile, which are checked in children with growth and developmental delay, are not considered to be particular indicators, it is concluded that they can illuminate the pathway for further studies in this field. Key words: Malnutrition, Nutrition, Amino acid, mTOR