Protein Energy Malnutrition: Opportunities for Cold Plasma Technologies

ABSTRACT Protein energy malnutrition (PEM), a condition influenced by a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors, gut microbiota and low consumption of calories or protein, remains a serious global public health concern, especially in developing nations. Technologies based on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), a mildly ionized gas rich in biochemically reactive species, have already demonstrated their strong potential as a simple, flexible and sustainable solution to many global challenges, from disease management to environmental remediation and food sustainability. This article explores the innovative strategies by which CAP technologies can address and mitigate PEM. Controlled preclinical studies indicate that CAP technologies can positively contribute to food security by enhancing protein availability and quality. By affecting oral and gut microbiota, CAP enhanced protein absorption. It can also modify the chemical structure of various food proteins to maximize their nutrient content and reduce allergenicity. This review addresses possible solutions using CAP in the mitigation of PEM and outlines key challenges and opportunities in translating CAP technologies into real‐life solutions, particularly in regions where the burden of PEM is most significant.