Q: My son is 3.5 years old. He is suffering from protein energy malnutrition (PEM), which is related to protein deficiency. My doctor advised to give him protinex, polybion syrup and calcirol pouch. He also told me to give one full egg everyday, cheese, paneer, chicken soup, mutton soup, etc. I want to seek advice on a diet plan to cure PEM?

A:Since your son has been diagnosed to have PEM, I am sure your paediatrician has ruled out any underlying cause for nutritional deficiency. More than the vitamin supplements he needs to be given a diet containing at least 1200 calories and enough proteins. Try to give him home made cereals and pulses with egg and chicken which you are already giving and monitor his growth. Make sure that before we jump to the diagnosis of PEM, it is not that your son is constitutionally thin.