Define Protein-Energy malnutrition - Nutritional Deficiency?

Even in normal times, PEM is a problem in many developing countries, most commonly affecting children between the ages of 6 months to five years. In times of nutritional emergencies, primarily the more acute form of PEM is observed, that has to be dealt with. This is characterized by the rapid loss of weight and may affect larger number of older children, adolescents and adults than usual. The clinical symptoms of PEM are summarized in the Table . Infants and children suffering from severe PEM must be treated as soon as possible; otherwise they are very likely to, died.