Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is one of the most common issues that athletes face. It’s also a problem that can befall anyone, even those who don’t exercise regularly. And it can be deadly. In this blog post, we will explore what protein energy malnutrition is and why you might fall victim to it. We will also discuss how to avoid it and what to do if you already have it. Finally, we will provide some tips for preventing PEM in athletes of all levels of activity.
What is Protein Energy Malnutrition?
Protein energy malnutrition is a condition in which a person doesn’t have enough protein in their diet. It can be caused by a lack of food, poor quality food, or dietary restrictions. This can lead to a number of health problems, including:
Muscle weakness
Anemia
Fatigue
Bone density loss
Low birth weight babies susceptibility to illness and death
The Signs and Symptoms of Protein Energy Malnutrition
Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a condition that occurs when you don’t get enough protein. It’s most common in people who are elderly, pregnant women, or athletes who are building muscle.
There are three main symptoms of PEM: weight loss, weakness, and fatigue. In adults, PEM can cause low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and poor wound healing. Children with PEM might have problems with their growth and development.
To diagnose PEM, your doctor will ask about your diet and exercise history. He or she may also do a physical examination and test your blood glucose and blood pressure levels. If you have any of the signs or symptoms of PEM, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. There is no cure for PEM, but treatment can help improve your health.
How to Avoid Protein Energy Malnutrition
Protein energy malnutrition is a condition caused by inadequate intake of protein. It can occur in people of any age, but is most common in pregnant women and young children. Symptoms of protein energy malnutrition include poor growth, fatigue, muscle weakness, and reduced appetite. If left untreated, protein energy malnutrition can lead to serious health problems, including impaired bone growth and development, heart disease, and developmental delays in infants.
To avoid protein energy malnutrition, it is important to make sure you are getting enough protein throughout the day. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein is 65 grams per day for adults. This means that if you are consuming more than this amount each day, you are likely benefiting from good overall nutrition and do not need to worry about protein energy malnutrition. In addition to meeting your RDA for proteins each day, it is also important to ensure that your diet includes high-quality sources of proteins. This means including both animal and plant-based proteins in your diet.
If you notice any signs or symptoms of protein energy malnutrition occurring in yourself or someone else in your household, it is important to seek medical attention. Protein energy malnutrition can be quickly treated with supplements and nutrition therapy.
Conclusion
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a serious health condition that can cause significant weight loss, muscle weakness and fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and kidney problems. PEM occurs when you don’t get enough protein or energy from your diet. It’s especially common in people who are physically active but aren’t getting the recommended amount of protein for their size and activity level. To protect yourself from PEM, make sure to include enough high-quality protein and energy dense foods in your everyday diet. And if you ever notice any of the symptoms of PEM, talk to your healthcare provider right away!