Numerous long-term effects are associated with protein-energy malnutrition, or protein-energy undernutrition. According to the Merck Manuals website, protein-energy malnutrition is an energy deficit caused by the chronic deficiency of all macronutrients, and it often involves deficiencies of many micronutrients. Protein-energy malnutrition can manifest gradually or suddenly, due to starvation. Marasmus and Kwashiorkor are examples of protein-energy malnutrition conditions. If left untreated, these conditions can cause numerous long-term health effects.
Emaciation
Emaciation is a common long-term health effect associated with protein-energy malnutrition. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, emaciation, also known as muscular atrophy, is a wasting or loss of muscle tissue caused by starvation, or a lack of nutrition. Protein-energy malnutrition also involves the loss of subcutaneous fat, or the fat just under your skin. The loss of muscle mass and subcutaneous fat results in an abnormally lean body in which your bones are easily observed and palpated, or examined with your hands. Though some muscle atrophy, or wasting, may occur with aging, the emaciation associated with protein-energy malnutrition is shocking and profound. The Medical Dictionary website states that you are considered emaciated when your body weight is less than 50 percent of your normal expected weight.
Severe Edema
Severe edema, also called ascites or abdominal swelling, is a common long-term health effect associated with protein-energy malnutrition. The University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago says ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid within your abdominal cavity. Ascites is a condition with numerous possible causes, including protein-energy malnutrition. Kwashiorkor, a type of protein-energy malnutrition, is characterized by peripheral and periorbital edema, or swelling in the tissues surrounding your eye socket, and a swollen abdomen. According to the Merck Manuals website, if you have kwashiorkor, your abdomen protrudes because your abdominal muscles are weakened, your intestine is distended, your liver is enlarged and ascites is present. Common signs and symptoms that accompany protein-energy malnutrition-related edema include abdominal pain, difficulty walking and increased abdominal girth.
Decreased Immunity
According to a Sept. 23, 2004 article on the Medical News Today website, energy intake appears to have an important influence on immune activity, and undernourished people -- such as people with a protein-energy malnutrition condition -- are at greater risk for developing infections. Deficiencies in numerous minerals and vitamins can result in reduced immunity, or immune system functioning. Immune system components, including antibodies, neutrophils and T cells, may benefit from adequate amounts of vitamins A, E and C and minerals such as cooper, zinc, iron and selenium. If you have a poorly balanced diet or a diet lacking in calories and nutrients, you may be at risk for developing a protein-energy malnutrition disorder and certain infectious diseases.
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