disorders of nutrition
Undernutrition
Protein Energy Undernutrition
Protein-energy undernutrition (also called protein-energy malnutrition) is a severe deficiency of protein and calories that results when people do not consume enough protein and calories for a long time. In countries with high rates of food insecurity, protein-energy undernutrition often occurs in children. It contributes to death in more than half of children who die (for example, by increasing the risk of developing life-threatening infections and, if infections develop, by increasing their severity). However, this disorder can affect anyone, regardless of age, if food supplies are inadequate. Worldwide, the most important preventive strategy is to reduce poverty and to improve nutritional education and public health measures. Protein-energy undernutrition has three main forms: Marasmus Kwashiorkor Marasmic kwashiorkor Marasmus is a severe deficiency of calories and protein. It tends to develop in infants and very young children. It typically results in weight loss, loss of muscle and fat, and dehydration. Breastfeeding usually protects against marasmus. Kwashiorkor is a severe deficiency more of protein than of calories. Kwashiorkor is less common than marasmus. The term is derived from an African word meaning “first child–second child” because a first-born child often develops kwashiorkor when the second child is born and replaces the first-born child at the mother’s breast. Because children tend to develop kwashiorkor after they are weaned, they are usually older than those who have marasmus. Kwashiorkor tends to be confined to certain areas of the world where staple foods and foods used to wean babies are deficient in protein even though they provide enough calories as carbohydrates. Examples of such foods are yams, cassava, rice, sweet potatoes, and green bananas. However, anyone can develop kwashiorkor if their diet consists mainly of carbohydrates. People with kwashiorkor retain fluid, making them appear puffy and swollen. If kwashiorkor is severe, the abdomen may protrude. Marasmic kwashiorkor occurs when a child with kwashiorkor does not consume enough calories. People with this disorder retain fluid, and their muscle and fat tissue waste away. Starvation is the most extreme form of protein-energy undernutrition. It results from a total lack of nutrients for a long time. It usually occurs because food is unavailable (for example, during a famine), but it occasionally occurs when food is available (for example, when people fast or have Anorexia Nervosa ). 