ABSTRACT
In developing countries four major deficiency diseases occur; namely, protein-energy malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency, nutritional anemias, and iodine deficiency. Protein-energy malnutrition is generally the result of inadequate intake or utilization of food, particularly of energy and protein. Protein-energy malnutrition is mainly caused by inadequate food intake. The most common form of malnutrition occurring in the hospital setting is that of protein-energy malnutrition. Severe forms of protein-energy malnutrition can be diagnosed relatively easily from their clinical manifestation. Biochemical procedures have the potential of providing the most objective and quantitative assessment of protein and energy status. Malnutrition results in reduced physical activity and work output, decreased resistance to infection, and impaired cognitive performance. Pediatric kwashiorkor disorders occur in children shortly after weaning from breast feeding. Chronic energy malnutrition probably occurs in adults in the regions with high childhood protein-energy malnutrition, but little information is available as to the extent.
