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Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in children

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Abstract

Deficiency diseases due to nutritional inadequate diets constitute public health problems in several developing countries. Among these, protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is the most widespread. It is a disease predominantly of young children living under unsatisfactory socioeconomic conditions. The severe forms carry a high mortality rate unless they receive prompt attention. The less severe forms impose handicaps not only during childhood but also in later life. A very large volume of data is available on PEM, but only the very salient features are presented here with emphasis on the public health aspects. No attempt has been made to be exhaustive.

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Srikantia, S.G. (1982). Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in children. In: Neuberger, A., Jukes, T.H. (eds) Human Nutrition. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6258-6_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6258-6_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-011-6260-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-6258-6

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