Protein-energy deficiency in children. Protein-energy deficiency: classification

It will not be a secret to anyone that proper nutrition is of utmost importance in the life of every person. The same applies to children. In this article I want to talk in detail about such a problem as protein-energy deficiency.

What it is?

At the very beginning, you need to decide on the concepts that will be used in the article. What is protein-energy deficiency is probably clear to everyone. This is a lack of protein in the body of the child. It is also worth clarifying that this condition is pathological. More specifically, too little or no protein in any form enters the human body. It can also cause decomposition of the substance too fast. In this case, burns, purulent-septic diseases or severe injuries can become the cause of this phenomenon.

Main reasons

Why can protein-energy deficiency occur? It is worth saying that this problem is very common among residents of developing countries. During periods of hunger strike, the percentage of people with this disease reaches 25%. In this case, the cause is an insufficient quantity or poor quality of food. The problem is aggravated by a lack of energy. And all because the amino acids from food in this case are not used for protein synthesis. They are oxidized to produce energy.

Protein-energy deficiency in children can occur a second time for the following reasons:

1. Violation of the digestive process (reduced absorption of nutrients).
2. Protein loss can occur due to neuro-endocrine regulation.

Forms

Further we consider such a problem as protein-energy deficiency. Classification of the disease (two main forms of the disease):

1. Marasmus. In this case, a growth inhibition of the child occurs, atrophy of the muscles and subcutaneous fat is observed.
2. Kwashiorkor. This is an isolated protein deficiency. In addition to growth retardation, the child may have swelling and fatty liver. However, in this case, subcutaneous fat is retained.

Severity

If we are talking about such a problem as protein-energy malnutrition, degrees - that’s also what we need to talk about. There are only three of them:

1. Easy (first, I).
2. Moderate (second, II).
3. Severe (third, III).

Mild

If we are talking about a mild degree of protein deficiency, the child’s body is only weakened. In this case, its resistance to various viruses and infections decreases. The main symptoms that will be present in this case:

1. Growing weakness.
2. Lethargy of the child, his low ability to work.
3. Not only physical, but also psychological fatigue.
4. Coldness, sensation of cold.
5. Thirst and hunger. May be frequent urination.
6. Dizziness may occur.
7. There will be numbness of the lower extremities.

At this stage, growth retardation may also occur.

Moderate degree

Further we consider such a problem as protein-energy deficiency. 2 degrees of the disease (first) most often occur in residents of precisely developing countries. In this case, as already mentioned above, there is a delay in the growth of children. However, the second degree is also characterized by biochemical changes in the body. So, there is a significant cellular weakening of the immune system. And this leads to increased sensitivity to various viruses and infections.

Heavy form

There is also a deep or severe protein-energy deficiency (i.e. cachexia). However, it is more typical for people with cancer. In this case, the child can lose weight very quickly, diarrhea occurs. The patient’s muscles also suffer, limbs appear to be sticks covered in skin. Hair becomes dull, brittle, falls out. Water retention in tissues may occur, often this is fraught with edema. Irreversible changes also occur in the internal organs of the patient. However, all this is individual (the doctor can tell about this after certain studies). Other symptoms characteristic of a problem such as severe protein-energy malnutrition in children:

1. Apathy, fatigue.
2. Constant feeling of cold.
3. Depigmentation of the skin and hair.
4. The skin becomes dry, becomes covered with cracks. The face of the child becomes senile.
5. Blood pressure, pulse, temperature decrease.

Insulated form

Quite rarely, however, an isolated form of protein deficiency can still occur. Most often, it is accompanied by a lack of components such as vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic and nicotinic acid, vitamin A. If we talk about children, in this case it is vitamin Avitaminosis that poses a danger to babies. As the disease progresses, intracellular potassium loss occurs phosphorus and magnesium.

Treatment

If we talk about a problem such as protein-energy malnutrition, treatment is what you also need to focus on. So, if the child has one of the first two forms of the disease, you can still cope with the problem by adjusting the nutrition. In this case, it is very important to increase the daily dose of protein intake. For kids of different ages, it will vary:

1. If the child is from one to seven years old, the daily dose will be approximately 3-4 grams of protein per 1 kg of weight.
2. Students need a little lower protein: 2-3 grams per 1 kg of weight.

Be sure the child will be prescribed multivitamin complexes. After all, only one food in this case will not be enough. Can also be regulated water-electrolyte balance.

If the child has a severe protein-energy insufficiency, in this case the baby will be sent to a hospital. It is impossible to cope with this problem on your own at home. What will be relevant in this case:

1. Controlled diet.
2. Correction of water-electrolyte balance with the help of infusion therapy.
3. Additional meals will also be prescribed for mixtures that are rich in nutrients.
4. If digestibility is impaired, the child will be given parenteral nutrition (infusion of nutrients).
5. Vitamin Therapy. However, in this case, it will be special. Such people need twice as many vitamins as a healthy person. And this is right up to the moment of recovery.
6. Patients with anorexia may be prescribed drugs that increase appetite. If you need to increase muscle mass, doctors can prescribe anabolic steroids.

Prevention

In order to avoid protein-energy malnutrition in children, you need to carefully monitor their diet. The following foods will help saturate your food with protein:

1. Chicken meat.
2. Fish.
3. Beef.
4. The eggs.
5. Dairy products.

It is also important to remember other useful trace elements. Together with protein, a child should receive a sufficient amount of carbohydrates and fats from food.