Protein-energy malnutrition can be caused by poor diet, protein-loosing disorders (such as chronic kidney disease) and cancer. Thereby, anemia is developed due to the inadequate protein for hemoglobin and red blood cell production in protein-energy malnutrition.

Protein-energy malnutrition is more common in children; according to less protein absorption in children.

Anemia due to protein-energy malnutrition affects various body systems; therefore, predispose people to severe diseases and death, by increasing the risk of micronutrient deficiency, dehydration, infection, and sepsis (infection of the blood).

Anemia is diagnosed based on the following signs during taking medical history and physical examination by medical doctors

• Eating habits and weight change

• Body fat composition and muscle strength

• Gastrointestinal symptoms

• Underlying disease

• Growth retardation

• Nutrition status

Protein-energy malnutrition can cause the following disorders

• Kwashiorkor

• Marasmus

• Catabolism

Symptoms of anemia due to protein-energy malnutrition

Symptoms of anemia due to protein-energy malnutrition are as the following

• Severe fatigue

• weakness

• Paleness

• Headache and dizziness

• Cold hands and feet

• Nail fragility

• Chest pain

• Dyspnea

Prevention of anemia due to protein-energy malnutrition

• Breast feeding for infants; who are not hospitalized.

• Hospitalized children must be fed by all nutrients; as well, they should be periodically evaluated by the doctor.

Treatment of anemia due to protein-energy malnutrition

The first stage of the treatment includes:

• Correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance

• Prescription antibiotics (which do not affect on the protein synthesis) for the treatment of infection.

The second stage of the treatment includes:

• Consumption of essential nutrients

• Physiotherapy for some patients

For patients who are not able to eat protein-rich foods, gavage or intravenous feeding is recommended, to provide the nutrients they need.

Nutritional treatment for anemia due to protein-energy malnutrition

• Consumption of sufficient fluids.

• A wide range of foods should be selected to ensure that all vitamins and minerals are included in the diet.

• Milk, seafood, nuts, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, peas, legumes and oilseeds should be consumed.

• Consumption of high-protein and high-energy sources in the diet.

• Multivitamin supplements can be taken as prescribed by your doctor.

• Consumption of foods that are selenium sources; such as walnuts, liver, fish, rice and wheat bran, caviar, eggs, red meat and poultry.

• Consumption of the sources of vitamin E; such as avocado, mango, kiwi, goose meat, pine nuts, pistachios, peanuts, cod, dark green leafy vegetables.

• Increase the intake of antioxidants, such as vitamin A. Vitamin A sources are: all yellow fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, fish, kidneys and liver, fish liver oil (such as cod, shark and halibut).

• Consumption of the high-energy foods, beverages such as sugar cane juice and fats.

• Consumption of fresh fruits and raw vegetables is recommended.