Knowledge Tree
protein-energy malnutrition
Also known as: PEM, protein-calorie malnutrition
Facts (17)
Sources
Immunity In Depth | Linus Pauling Institute lpi.oregonstate.edu 14 facts
measurementAccording to the World Health Organization, more than one-third of the world’s underprivileged, preschool-age children are affected by protein-energy malnutrition, with 80% living in Asia, 15% in Africa, and 5% in Latin America.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM) usually occurs in combination with deficiencies in essential micronutrients, specifically vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM) leads to atrophy of the thymus, which reduces the number of circulating T cells and decreases the effectiveness of the memory response to antigens.
claimWhile humoral immunity is affected to a lesser extent by protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), antibody affinity and response are generally decreased.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM) increases susceptibility to infection by adversely affecting both innate and adaptive immunity.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in the developed world commonly occurs secondary to chronic diseases that interfere with nutrient metabolism, such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic renal failure, or cancer.
claimTreating protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) associated with chronic disease requires addressing the underlying cause of malnutrition while simultaneously correcting associated nutrient deficits.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM) can compromise the integrity of mucosal barriers, which increases vulnerability to infections of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts.
claimKwashiorkor is a form of protein-energy malnutrition primarily caused by a deficiency in dietary protein, while overall caloric intake may be normal, and is characterized by the presence of edema.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition stunts physical growth and mental development, with effects lasting into adulthood.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM), also known as protein-calorie malnutrition, is a common nutritional problem primarily affecting young children and the elderly.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is associated with reduced production of certain cytokines and complement proteins, as well as impaired phagocyte function within the innate immune system.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM) compromises the functions of lymphoid tissues, including the spleen and lymph nodes.
claimProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM) primarily affects cell-mediated aspects of adaptive immunity rather than humoral immunity components.
Analysis of study Global Burden of Disease in 2021 - Frontiers frontiersin.org Jan 14, 2025 3 facts
referenceLeij-Halfwerk et al. published a systematic review and meta-analysis titled 'Prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition risk in European older adults in community, residential and hospital settings, according to 22 malnutrition screening tools validated for use in adults ≥65 years' in Maturitas in 2019.
referenceCrichton et al. published 'A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition: associations with geographical region and sex' in Age and Ageing in 2019.
referenceA trend analysis of Global Burden of Disease data from 2010 to 2019 identified a double burden of malnutrition in Nepal, characterized by both protein-energy malnutrition and high Body Mass Index.