Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), also known as protein-energy undernutrition, is a serious condition resulting from a deficiency of dietary protein and/or energy (calories). It primarily affects children under 5 years old in developing countries but can also occur in elderly individuals in industrialized nations due to chronic disease or social isolation. Classification of PEM
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a spectrum of pathological conditions resulting from a lack of dietary protein and energy, primarily affecting children in developing countries. As of 2024–2025, global data shows that approximately 295 million people Protein Energy Malnutrition Ppt
| Feature | Marasmus (Non-edematous PEM) | Kwashiorkor (Edematous PEM) | | --- | --- | --- | | Cause | Chronic total calorie deficiency | Acute protein deficiency (often with adequate calories) | | Age | Usually under 1 year | Usually older toddler (18-24 months) | | Appearance | “Old man’s face” – severe wasting | Moon face, puffy, swollen belly | | Edema | Absent | Present (pedal, periorbital) | | Skin changes | Dry, thin, wrinkled | Dermatosis (“flaky paint” or mosaic skin) | | Hair changes | Sparse, thin | Dyspigmentation (flag sign), brittle | | Appetite | Often ravenous | Usually poor or absent | | Fatty liver | Absent | Common | | Serum albumin | Normal or mildly low | Very low | Hypoglycemia prevention