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Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) generally refers to undernutrition in young children (though older children and adults can also suffer from it). The term is generally used to designate both increasingly rare forms of severe clinical malnutrition (such as kwashiorkor and marasmus) and the more common forms of growth faltering or growth impairment (often termed
    mild or moderate malnutrition). Yet, the term PEM fails to take account of the many nutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A that are involved in bringing about these conditions, in addition to deficits in protein and energy. Such general undernutrition also involves nondietary causes as infections and deficiencies in child care.
    Anthropometric indices are used as the main criteria for assessing the adequacy of diet and growth in infancy. The more commonly used indices are derived by comparing height and weight measurements with reference curves: height-for-age, weight-for-age and weight-for-height to identify stunting, wasting and underweight.

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