• Not enough intake of protein and calories to meet energy requirements
• Symptoms may include swelling, diarrhea, weight loss and muscle wasting
• Cause may be due to poor diet, failure to absorb nutrients or increased body needs
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age
• May be mild to severe
• Can be life threatening

GENERAL THERAPY

• Increase food intake with adequate calories and protein in the diet
• Monitor intake of child

REFER TO CLINIC

• If child is severely thin or has swelling
• Child who fails to respond to treatment