Did you know that if you are not getting the proper amountof calories (with protein) in your diet you can actually become malnourished?Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) (also known as Protein Calorie Malnutrition) isa very real issue that can be seen in anyone; it is mostly seen in children andthe elderly. For those living in developed countries PEM/PCM is the leadingcause of death in children, but this issue is seen all over the world. Abalanced diet is such a vital part of a person’s daily diet that the bodyreacts in very adverse ways when it does not get enough. The best way to makesure that someone you love is not suffering from PEM is to know the symptomsand affects involved.
PEM in children:
Symptoms-
· Weight loss
· Thin, tired, and dehydrated
· Dry, flaking skin
· Reduced hair growth
· General growth is stunted
· Electrolyte imbalances
Effects-
· Blood pressure reduction, heart’s capacity topump blood reduced by up to 30%
· Anemia; lethargy associated with anemia
· Enlarged liver
· Smaller than normal head circumference
· Loss of brain weight and cells
· Skin lesions; issues with healing
What to do:
· Eating a balanced and adequate diet
· Correct electrolyte imbalances
· Increase body fat storage
· Know how many calories a child’s body requires
· Know how much protein a child’s body requires
· Look for permanent solutions to food deprivation
There are no exact answers for the amount of protein andcalories that any given child would need; the best thing to do is speak to anutritionist or physician in your area. PEM/PCM occurring from lack ofprotein/calories because nourishment is not available is called primary PEM/PCM.There are many diseases that hinder nutrition such as cancer, AIDS, kidneyfailure, etc. These illnesses cause secondary PEM/PCM of which there areseveral kinds; these are the most common in the United States. Treatment ofthis issue is vital as prolonged suffering can cause permanent side-effects andcan be fatal.
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