Question

_________ is a protein deficiency that affects people of all ages. It involves a deficiency of protein, as well as of all other energy-providing foods. It is a chronic condition characterized by wasting of body tissues. As the disease progresses, subcutaneous fat stores and then muscle stores are depleted, leaving the victim with a "skin-and-bones" appearance

Answer 1

Protein-energy malnutrition is a protein deficiency that affects people of all ages.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition described is protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), which is a protein deficiency that affects people of all ages. PEM occurs when there is a deficiency of protein, as well as all other energy-providing foods.

It is a chronic condition characterized by wasting of body tissues, where subcutaneous fat stores and then muscle stores are depleted, leaving the victim with a "skin-and-bones" appearance.

Two forms of protein-energy malnutrition are kwashiorkor and marasmus. Kwashiorkor is a more severe form in which children do not get enough protein and have swollen bellies and feet. Marasmus, on the other hand, is a severe undernutrition syndrome caused by extremely low intakes of food energy, resulting in wasting away of the body.