The document discusses three forms of protein-energy malnutrition: Marasmus, Kwashiorkor, and Cachexia. Marasmus is caused by low nutrient and energy intake and leads to wasting. Kwashiorkor is caused by low protein intake and causes swelling. Cachexia is a wasting disorder seen in late-stage diseases that causes extreme weight and muscle loss.

1. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University,
Gopalganj-8100
A Presentation on Protein Energy Malnutrition
Presented by
Md. Shimul Bhuia
St.ID: 16PHR003
Department of Pharmacy

2. Protein Energy Malnutrition

3. Marasmus
Marasmus is a form of malnutrition. it happens when the intake of
nutrients and energy is too low for a person’s needs. it leads to
wasting, or the loss of body fat and muscle. a child with marasmus
may not grow as children usually do.
Causes of marasmus
 POOR DIET
 FOOD SHORTAGES
 INSUFFICIENT BREASTFEEDING
 INFECTIONS AND DISEASES
 ANOREXIA
Causes of Marasmus

4. Symptoms of Marasmus
• Weight loss
• Stunted growth
• Dry skin and eyes
• Brittle hair
• Diarrhea
• Lower immunity
• Stomach infection and lactose intolerance
• Respiratory infections
• Rickets due to calcium and vitamin D deficiency
• Anemia due to iron deficiency
• Impaired brain function and intellectual disability
• Low blood pressure or hypotension
• Low body temperature or hypothermia
• Slow heart rate or bradycardia

5. Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition. It's most common in some developing
regions where babies and children do not get enough protein or other essential
nutrients in their diet. The main sign of kwashiorkor is too much fluid in the body's
tissues, which causes swelling under the skin.
• The main cause of kwashiorkor is not eating enough protein or other essential
vitamins and minerals.
• It's most common in developing countries with a limited food supply, poor
hygiene, and a lack of education about the importance of giving babies and children
an adequate diet.
• Kwashiorkor is rare in developed countries such as the UK, but it can occasionally
happen as a result of severe neglect, long-term illness, a lack of knowledge about
good nutrition, or a very restricted diet.
• Although kwashiorkor can affect people of all ages, it's more common in children
than adults.

6. Symptoms of
kwashiorkor
 Loss of muscle mass
 An enlarged tummy ("pot belly")
 Regular infections, or more serious or
long-lasting infections red
 Dry, brittle hair that falls out easily and
may lose its color.
 Failure to grow in height
 Tiredness or irritability
 Ridged or cracked nails

7. Cachexia
cachexia is a “wasting” disorder that causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, and can include loss of body
fat. this syndrome affects people who are in the late stages of serious diseases like cancer, HIV or AIDS, COPD,
kidney disease, and congestive heart failure .
categories of cachexia
 pre cachexia is defined as a loss of up to 5 percent of your body weight while having a known illness or disease.
it’s accompanied by appetite loss, inflammation, and changes in metabolism.
 cachexia is a loss of more than 5 percent of your body weight over 12 months or less, when you’re not trying to
lose weight and you have a known illness or disease. several other criteria include loss of muscle strength,
decreased appetite, fatigue, and inflammation.
 refractory cachexia applies to individuals with cancer. it is weight loss, muscle loss, loss of function, plus a failure
to respond to cancer treatment.

8. Causes and associated conditions
Cachexia happens in the late stage of serious conditions like:
 Cancer
 congestive heart failure (CHF)
 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
 chronic kidney disease
 cystic fibrosis
 rheumatoid arthritis Symptoms
 Fatigue
 appetite loss (anorexia)
 low fat-free mass index (a calculation based on your weight, body fat, and height)
 high levels of inflammation identified by blood tests
 anemia (low red blood cells)
 low levels of the protein, albumin

9. Symptoms of Cachexia
 Involuntary weight loss: A person may lose weight despite getting
adequate nutrition or a high number of calories.
 Muscle wasting: This is the characteristic symptom of cachexia. However,
despite the ongoing loss of muscle, not all people with cachexia appear
malnourished. For example, a person who was overweight before
developing cachexia may appear to be of average size despite having lost a
significant amount of weight.
 Loss of appetite or anorexia: A person with cachexia may lose their desire
to eat any food at all.
 Reduced functional ability: A person may experience symptoms of malaise,
fatigue, and low energy levels. This may include generalized feelings of
discomfort, extreme tiredness, or a lack of motivation.
 Swelling or edema: Low protein levels in the blood may cause fluid to
move into the tissue, causing swelling.