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@article{205803,
        author = {Dr. Alekhya Lakkamraju and Dr. Rimsha Tayyaba Interne and Dr. Dagnapur Chanakya Interne and Dr. Kethavath Pooja Interne and Dr. Giddi Bhuvaneswari Interne and Dr. Manchikatla Pavani Interne},
        title = {PROTEIN-ENERGY MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CURRENT CONCEPTS AND HOMOEOPATHIC PERSPECTIVES},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {8484-8499},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205803},
        abstract = {Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) remains one of the most important causes of childhood morbidity, impaired growth, developmental delay, and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The understanding of PEM has evolved from a simple deficiency disorder to a complex multifactorial condition influenced by inadequate dietary intake, recurrent infections, poor socioeconomic conditions, maternal factors, environmental adversities, and limited access to healthcare services. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution, epidemiology, determinants, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, consequences, assessment, prevention, management, and homoeopathic perspectives of PEM in children. A narrative review methodology was employed through an extensive appraisal of standard paediatric textbooks, nutrition references, reports from international organizations, and published scientific literature relevant to childhood undernutrition and homoeopathic concepts. The review discusses the transition from classical classifications of PEM to the contemporary concept of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), emphasizing modern anthropometric assessment and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. The homoeopathic perspective is explored through constitutional assessment, miasmatic interpretation, and therapeutically indicated remedies traditionally recommended for children presenting with features suggestive of defective assimilation, growth retardation, and recurrent illnesses. While nutritional rehabilitation, infection control, micronutrient supplementation, and public health interventions remain the cornerstone of management, individualized homoeopathic treatment may serve as a supportive adjunct in selected cases. Further clinical research is warranted to establish the potential contribution of homoeopathic interventions in improving health outcomes among children recovering from Protein-Energy Malnutrition.},
        keywords = {Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Childhood Undernutrition; Severe Acute Malnutrition; Marasmus; Kwashiorkor; Nutritional Assessment; Child Health; Homoeopathy; Constitutional Treatment; Miasmatic Approach.},
        month = {June},
        }