Protein-Energy Malnutrition Causes
The causes of PEM or Protein-Energy Malnutrition are given below:
- Inadequate Dietary Intake: Not consuming enough protein and calories to meet the body’s needs.
- Food Scarcity: Limited availability of nutritious food due to poverty, drought, or conflict.
- Illness and Infections: Diseases like diarrhea, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis that reduce appetite and nutrient absorption.
- Poor Feeding Practices: Inadequate breastfeeding and improper weaning practices in infants and young children.
- Malabsorption Disorders: Conditions like celiac disease and chronic pancreatitis that impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
- Social and Economic Factors: Poverty, lack of education, and inadequate access to healthcare services.
Protein Energy Malnutrition – Definition and Classification of PEM
Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a condition resulting from inadequate intake of protein and calories, leading to severe health issues such as stunted growth, weakened immunity, and muscle wasting. Understanding protein-energy malnutrition causes and protein-energy malnutrition types helps in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies to combat malnutrition.
In this article, we will cover Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) classification, causes, symptoms, prevention, and management in detail.
Table of Content
- Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) Meaning
- Protein-Energy Malnutrition Causes
- Protein-Energy Malnutrition Classification
- Primary Protein-Energy Malnutrition
- Kwashiorkor Disease
- Marasmus
- Secondary Protein-Energy Malnutrition
- Kwashiorkor Vs Marasmus
- Diagnosis of Protein-Energy Undernutrition
- Treatment of Protein-Energy Undernutrition