By: Tyler Nugent, Natasha Canning, Melissa Woodworth & Craig Sebean

Protein Deficiency

Deficiency

Deficiency refers to the amount of an essential nutrient that is not taken in for an individuals body to perform at its optimum.

Although protein deficiencies are not common in North America, in third world countries protein deficiencies are very common because of the lack of food available.

Protein – Energy Malnutrition • Protein – energy malnutrition (PEM) is a condition caused

by the lack of calories and protein in an individuals diet. • There are two main forms of PEM:

– Kwashiorkor – a disease that affects children by attacking their body’s fluid balance and immune system. Most often children die from a simple fever or common measles.

– Marasmus – a wasting disease that is caused by lack of calories and protein. The disease is most common in infants and young children. The disease basically eats the muscles and tissues so that the child becomes weak.

• In 2000, the Who estimated that malnutrition affects 181.9 million, 32% , of children in developing countries

PEM

• Although PEM is most common in children less than 5 years of age, because they require more energy for development, the condition can affect anyone.

• Symptoms of PEM include: rapid weight lose (10-20% of a persons weight), diarrhea, lowering of overall body temperature, dehydration of skin and abnormal weakness.

Prevention

• Although protein deficiencies are not common in Canada be sure to receive your recommended daily protein intake.

• Daily protein intake is calculated on your age group and activity level.

• However there is a recommend average daily intake of protein for a sedentary person, 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.

• Athletes, have a recommended intake of 1.2 – 1.4g per kilogram of body weight.

References

• Dorothy F. West : Nutrition, Food, And Fitness (textbook)• www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?

requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/protein-energy_malnutrition.jsp• www.emedicine.com/derm/topic797.htm• www.ualberta.ca/~bacan/images/cells.jpg• www.icapture.ubc.ca/news/feb02/images/feb28sm.jpg• strangepaths.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/neuron.jpg• www.medscape.com/viewarticle/414351