<em>Protein-energy malnutrition has two severe forms: and kwashiorkor (a lack of protein) and marasmus (a lack of protein and calories). Common micronutrient deficiencies include a lack of iron, iodine, and vitamin A. Deficiencies may become more common during pregnancy, due to the body's increased need of nutrients.</em>
Protein digestion would be more difficult because of that buffering action of sodium bicarbonate on the stomach acid, which alters the optimum pH for the action of pepsin, a major protein-digester
