How can we prevent protein energy malnutrition?

Prevention. The best way to prevent marasmus is to have an adequate intake of calories and protein, preferably from a healthful, well-balanced diet.

Is protein energy malnutrition reversible?

Primary PEM, caused by inadequate nutrient intake, typically affects children and elderly people, and brief PEM effects are typically reversible with nutritional therapy.

What is the main treatment for malnutrition?

Treatment may involve: dietary changes, such as eating foods high in energy and nutrients. support for families to help them manage factors affecting the child’s nutritional intake. treatment for any underlying medical conditions causing malnutrition.

What do you lack if you are suffering from protein energy malnutrition?

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency can lead to neuropathy, irritability, and weight loss. Minerals or trace elements such as phosphorus, iron, and zinc can also be deficient in protein-energy malnutrition. Phosphate deficiency, if severe, can cause rhabdomyolysis, bone pain, or osteomalacia.

What are the signs and symptoms of protein-energy malnutrition?

Clinical signs and symptoms of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) include the following:

Poor weight gain.
Slowing of linear growth.
Behavioral changes – Irritability, apathy, decreased social responsiveness, anxiety, and attention deficits.

What are the types of protein-energy malnutrition?

Types include: Kwashiorkor (protein malnutrition predominant) Marasmus (deficiency in calorie intake) Marasmic kwashiorkor (marked protein deficiency and marked calorie insufficiency signs present, sometimes referred to as the most severe form of malnutrition)

How can I reverse malnutrition quickly?

Treating malnutrition

Eat ‘little and often’ – 3 small meals a day with 2-3 snacks in-between meals.
Include protein at each meal such as meat, fish, chicken, eggs, beans or lentils.
Avoid low fat, sugar-free, diet foods and drinks for example skimmed milk.

What can malnutrition lead to?

Malnutrition refers to getting too little or too much of certain nutrients. It can lead to serious health issues, including stunted growth, eye problems, diabetes and heart disease.

What to do if you have protein energy malnutrition?

However, patients suffering from undernutrition can also be overweight if they consume a diet that is high in calories and low in other nutrients. When it comes to preventing protein-energy malnutrition, dieting matters a lot. A balanced and healthy eating habit is good for maintaining health and fitness.

What are the classifications of protein energy malnutrition?

Classifications Of PEM What Is Protein Energy Malnutrition? Protein-energy malnutrition or PEM is the condition of lack of energy due to the deficiency of all the macronutrients and many micronutrients. It can occur suddenly or gradually. It can be graded as mild, moderate or severe.

What are the symptoms of protein calorie malnutrition?

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a common childhood disorder and is primarily caused by deficiency of energy, protein, and micronutrients. PEM manifests as underweight (low body weight compared with healthy peers), stunting (poor linear growth), wasting (acute weight loss), or edematous malnutrition (kwashiorkor).

What causes protein energy malnutrition ( PEM ) in adults?

Secondary PEM 1 It is caused due to disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. 2 It can be caused due to infections, hyperthyroidism, trauma, burns, and other critical illnesses. 3 It decreases appetite and impairs nutrient metabolism. More …