''Rumination in infants is associated with failure to thrive, marasmus, and even death, if untreated...In cases of rumination in infancy, severe emotional stresses commonly pervade the family environment.''
The majority of cases of failure to thrive (FTT) in infants and young children (under 2 years old) are not caused by disease. Approximately two-thirds of all cases are caused by neglect or ignorance concerning feeding and proper care.