Define the Different Forms of Protein Energy Malnutrition?

The term PEM is used to describe a wide range of clinical conditions ranging 'from the very clinically detectable florid forms to the mildest forms in which growth retardation is the major manifestation. It is widely prevalent in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. According to estimates, there are about 200 million children suffering from various forms of PEM in the world.

PEM occurs in three clinically distinguishable forms, viz. kwashiorkor, marasmus and mwasrnic-kwashiorkor. In addition, a large number of children suffer from various sub-clinical forms of PEM like underweight, stunting (short stature) 'and wasting (thinness). In fact, the proportion of clinical cases of PEM in a given community reflects only the-proverbial "lip of iceberg". In other words, for every clinical case there are many more children suffering from sub-clinical PEM.