PEM full form

PEM full form is protein-energy malnutrition. The term is used when an individual feels a lack of energy due to nutrient deficiency in the body. This type of deficiency can occur anytime. PEM is also graded into 3 categories which include mild, moderate and severe. The deficiency cases mostly occur in developing countries. It usually affects children who don't get calories or protein as per their requirement or need.

What is the Full Form of PEM?

As mentioned above the full form of PEM is Protein Energy Malnutrition. The term is used when there is a deficiency of protein, macronutrients and some micronutrients in the body. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The PEM is categorized into three stages, which consist of mild, moderate and severe depending upon symptoms and body manifestations. 

The PEM is also known as Protein Calorie Undernutrition (PCU). The PEM disease generally occurs in children living in developing or under-developing countries which is due to a deficiency of protein or when the body doesn't receive nutrients in the correct amount according to the requirements of the body. 

Classifications in PEM

Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM full form) is usually caused due to protein deficiency as they play a key role in the growth of the body in early stages and that's the reason they are also known as building blocks of the body. The PEM is majorly classified into two types: Kwashiorkor and Marasmus.

Kwashiorkor

The disease is caused due to deficiency of protein due to inadequate breastfeeding or a diet containing low protein. The Kwashiorkor is also known as edematous malnutrition. A term is also used with kwashiorkor named as fluid retention which is caused due to imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Having a diet which contains low protein and high carbohydrates can also cause this problem. Due to kwashiorkor, the body's immunity also reduces.

Marasmus

The disease is caused by a severe deficiency of protein which can be due to changes in the metabolism of fat. The primary symptom of marasmus is underweight. Other symptoms include deficiency of nutrients, dehydration, and imbalance of electrolytes. If the disease is not cured timely it may lead to infections.

Factors Contributing to Complication of PEM

Symptoms of PEM can become complicated or affect an individual’s health because of certain factors that will be discussed below.

Environmental Factors:

• Respiratory infection becomes a major factor causing PEM. In areas where the pollution rate is high, people are at a higher risk of getting affected by malnutrition.
• Slum areas with overcrowded spaces and limited facilities of sanitation result in an increase in the causes of diarrhoea that ultimately causes protein energy malnutrition.

Age : 

• Food is fuel to the human body that's why it is necessary to have food containing nutrients. During the first 5 years, children's diet must contain the right balance of protein and carbohydrates as it is regarded as the growth years.
• Frequent changes and alternation in the gastrointestinal system of aged people cause PEM.
• Baby growth inside the mother's womb gets affected in case a pregnant woman suffers from malnutrition.

Diet:

• One of the major causes of PEM is limited protein in the diet. Protein is necessary in providing adequate energy to the body, and its deficiency leads to malnutrition and low immunity.
• Lactating mothers become an easy target of protein energy malnutrition due to the limited secretion of breast milk. Prolonged breastfeeding can alleviate symptoms of malnutrition.

Free Radicals and Aflatoxins:

• When the human body gets infected, free oxygen radicals are produced that spread toxins in the cell membranes. These free radicals cannot be properly prevented from affecting due to limited macronutrients like vitamins A, C and E. 

Socio and Economic Factors:

• Poverty is perhaps the major catalyst causing PEM. Inadequate food and lack of balanced diet among family members especially children increases the risk of malnutrition.
• Limited knowledge and improper child care become a major reasons behind malnutrition among people hailing from poor economic classes. People living in poor conduction and lack of proper medical guidance fail to detect PEM at the right time resulting in complications.

What does Secondary PEM Mean?

It is considered less severe than Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. The disease is caused due to disbalance in the gastrointestinal, which is caused due to hyperthyroidism, trauma, burns, and infections. The secondary PEM, full form of which is Protein Energy Malnutrition, affects appetite and nutrient metabolism order.  

What are the Major Symptoms of PEM?

Below mentioned are some major symptoms which give signs of protein energy malnutrition (PEM full form)

• Weakness in muscle 
• Losing body strength 
• Visible changes in hair
• Weight loss
• Drying of skin 
• Lower respiratory rate
• Failure of organs such as the liver, heart or kidney
• Persongets irritated 
• The risk of fractures in hips increases 
• The level of ulcers is high in older age patients 

PEM Diagnosis

Doctors or any testing labs conduct the below tests which help in the identification of PEM disease

• Calculation of BMI
• By analyzing fat metabolism
• Checking hormones, cholesterol and enzymes level
• By testing blood count 

Methods to Cure PEM

Below mentioned are the ways to cure or treat PEM, full form of which is Protein Energy Malnutrition.

• Take a balanced diet containing balanced proportions of all proteins, carbohydrates and other vitamins
• Keep your body hydrated 
• Take vitamin and magnesium supplements
• Avoid taking high-lactose products 
• Take proper doctor support 
• Take antibiotics if required 
• Feeding the patient orally 

What are the Drawbacks/ Negative Impact of PEM

There are multiple impacts and drawbacks because of PEM, following is the PEM impact on the body 

• Infection in the body which includes pneumonia, urine, sepsis and much more
• Delay in healing of wounds caused by cuts or accidents 
• Slowing down the growth process 
• Deficiency of micronutrients 
• Failure of organ 

Other Full Forms of PEM

Another full form of PEM is Privacy Enhanced Mail. The term is used in the IT industry which is recognized as security to email and it provides a secure way of communication through the internet. As mostly all organizations and institutions use email for communication thus security plays a crucial role. The feature provides confidentiality and integrity of messages. 

Written by: Deepit Mathur