Question

Explain pem, it's types and deficiency symptoms

Answer 1

Dear student.

PEM or Protein Energy Malnutrition is caused due to deficiency of protein and calories in regular diet. It occurs usually in children below five years whose diet is poor in protein and calories. Loss of weight, anemia, less immunity, frequent loose motions and delay in healing wounds are some of the symptoms of this malnutrition.

Protein malnutrition may be:

1. Primary: Because of lack of sufficient protein in diet.

Kwashiorkor is a wet protein energy malnutrition characterized by edema, dry and peeling skin and discoloration of hair.

2. Secondary: Occurs as a result of complications due to cancer, AIDS, kidney failure or other diseases that makes body incapable to absorb nutrients or make up the lost nutrients.

Protein energy malnutrition can also be classified as acute (wasting and thinness), chronic (stunting), acute and chronic malnutrition (underweight).

Regards