Question

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

Answer 1

Hint: Proteins are the building blocks of living organisms. They are an important nutrient that is essential for the growth and development of our body. The proteins play an important role in building muscles, bones, hormones, enzymes, cartilage, skin, hair etc. It is an essential component of our diet. When our diet does not have proper nutrients, it leads to malnutrition which leads to various mental and physical dysfunction.

Complete answer:
The diseases which are caused by the deficiency of nutrients are known as deficiency diseases. Nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and fats are essential for the body. Carbohydrates and fats provide energy whereas proteins help in building the muscles, growth and repair. Malnutrition is improper.

To solve this question, we must know about the disease caused by the deficiency of proteins.
Meat, nuts, pulses, eggs, milk are some of the important sources of proteins. The improper intake of nitrogen-containing food causes protein malnutrition. Protein-energy malnutrition is referred to as low energy due to deficiency of the macronutrients. This is most common in childhood which is the result of the deficiency in proteins and micronutrients.

The person suffering from this will show-
- Low body weight.
- Stunted growth.
- Acute weight loss.
- Edematous malnutrition is swelling in the skin.
- Behavioural changes like anxiety, irritability, decreased social responsiveness.

Note: The disease caused by the malnutrition of proteins are Kwashiorkor and marasmus. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of deficiency in which the person can develop too much fluid in the tissues. It is common in babies. Marasmus is also a protein-energy deficiency disease that shows low body weight. It affects both children and adults.