How would energy and protein malnutrition differ in practice?
Protein malnutrition results from a lack of proteins and leads to muscle catabolism. As a result, there is a loss of muscle mass, which impacts the function of the nervous system, hormonal regulation, and the immune system. Among other things, the metabolism of elements deteriorates, manifesting as bone thinning.
Energy malnutrition shifts the entire metabolism towards catabolic processes. It is not always accompanied by a protein deficiency; in situations where proteins are sufficient, its most common manifestations are fatigue, reduction of fat reserves, and possibly changes in the quality of digestive processes.
Questions answered by
Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system
Nutrition educator, lecturer, and author of the educational system and the ZOF learning application.
Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.
He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.
In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.