Malnutrition: a global concern

Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) (or protein-calorie malnutrition) refers to a form of malnutrition where there is inadequate protein intake. Protein energy malnutrition is considered as primary nutritional problem in India. Common causes of protein energy malnutrition include factors such as lack of breast feeding, Infections, lack of health education and ignorance. Other factors that contribute to malnutrition are financial instability, poverty, expensive medicines and unaffordable prices of consumer goods, high prices of fruits, vegetables, nutritional sources and illiteracy. Some may afford nutrition, however they lack in consistently consuming nutrition and often show lethargy and ignorance. 

Dietary intake for managing protein energy malnutrition includes balancing electrolytes such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. Electrolytes conduct energy and regulate fluid balance. They play an important role in transport of nutrients. Hence balancing electrolytes is very important. Sodium intake has to be limited. Incorporation of multivitamin supplements may help to supply adequate nutrients to your tissues. Vitamin supplementation is followed by incorporation of protein rich food sources.

Consequences of nutrient deficiency:

Deficiency of nutrients leads to many consequences especially in children and women. Growth of the children is hampered due to malnutrition. Their hormones get affected. Stunted growth, lean and weakness are common features of a malnourished child. Those with protein malnutrition are commonly affected with pot bellies. Vitamin deficiencies are associated with bone loss or lack of bone growth and muscle loss in children. As per the estimates of WHO, about 159 million children show stunted growth and 50 million show waste, which is a major global concern. Most of the women are affected with anemia and iron deficiency. Water electrolyte imbalance is also reported in people with malnutrition. Adequate consumption of water is mostly recommended. Water is mainly responsible for carrying nutrients and electrolytes all over the body.

Challenges:

Most of the people who show malnutrition cannot afford nutrition, due to financial instability. Hunger and  under nutrition are causing deaths of many women and especially the pregnant women are showing premature delivery and fetal miscarriages.

 Repeated spontaneous abortions are on rise. Women suffering from malnutrition may also experience uterine anomalies and hormonal imbalance. Also the growth of the fetus is getting affected when the expected mother lacks proper nutrition. Many challenges are faced by government due to country’s socio-economic instability and huge population.