Protein-Energy Malnutrition Management

The PEM management can be done by the following ways:

  • Nutritional Therapy: Providing a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to meet the body’s energy and protein requirements.
  • Supplementary Feeding: Offering fortified foods, nutritional supplements, or therapeutic formulas to address specific deficiencies and promote weight gain.
  • Medical Monitoring: Regular assessment of nutritional status, growth, and development to adjust treatment plans as needed.
  • Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Managing gastrointestinal disorders, infections, thyroid disorders, or other medical issues contributing to malnutrition.
  • Supportive Care: Providing emotional support, counseling, and education to patients and caregivers on proper nutrition and dietary habits.
  • Multidisciplinary Approach: Involving healthcare professionals such as dietitians, physicians, nurses, and social workers to provide comprehensive care and address all aspects of malnutrition management.

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

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Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) Meaning

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a condition resulting from inadequate intake of protein and calories, leading to severe health issues, particularly in children. It manifests in two primary forms: marasmus, characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, and kwashiorkor, marked by edema, an enlarged liver, and skin lesions....

Protein-Energy Malnutrition Causes

The causes of PEM or Protein-Energy Malnutrition are given below:...

Protein-Energy Malnutrition Classification

PEM is mainly of two types based on how the nutrient deficiency is created in the body. They are mainly of two types- Primary PEM and Secondary PEM....

Primary Protein-Energy Malnutrition

Primary PEM occurs as a result of inadequate nutrient intake. Kwashiorkor, a common form in children from developing countries with poverty and food insecurity, is caused by protein deficiency and micronutrient imbalances. It is further of two types:...

Secondary Protein-Energy Malnutrition

Secondary PEM, or Protein-Energy Malnutrition is caused due to insufficient dietary intake. Unlike primary PEM caused by insufficient dietary intake, secondary PEM results from underlying factors that affect nutrient absorption, utilization, or digestion. Some of the factors causing secondary protein energy malnutrition are:...

Protein-Energy Malnutrition Symptoms

The common symptoms of Protein-Energy Malnutrition are:...

Protein-Energy Malnutrition Prevention

PEM can be prevented by:...

Protein-Energy Malnutrition Management

The PEM management can be done by the following ways:...

Kwashiorkor Vs Marasmus

The difference between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are discussed below:...

FAQs on Protein Energy Malnutrition

What are the Causes of PEM?...

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