What causes marasmus and kwashiorkor?

Marasmus is a condition primarily caused by a deficiency in calories and energy, whereas kwashiorkor indicates an associated protein deficiency, resulting in an edematous appearance.

What is marasmus PDF?

Marasmus is a severe manifestation of protein-energy malnutrition. It occurs as a result of total calorie insufficiency. This leads to overt loss of adipose tissue and muscle. The child may have a weight-for-height value which is more than.

What is the main cause of kwashiorkor?

The main cause of kwashiorkor is not eating enough protein or other essential vitamins and minerals. It’s most common in developing countries with a limited food supply, poor hygiene, and a lack of education about the importance of giving babies and children an adequate diet.

What is malnutrition how is it caused?

Malnutrition (undernutrition) is caused by a lack of nutrients, either as a result of a poor diet or problems absorbing nutrients from food. Certain things can increase your risk of becoming malnourished.

What marasmus means?

Marasmus is a type of protein-energy malnutrition that can affect anyone but is mainly seen in children. You can get marasmus if you have a severe deficiency of nutrients like calories, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. ‌ It is more common in developing countries, like in some areas of Asia and Africa.

What are the effects of marasmus?

Apart from weight loss, long-term effects of marasmus in children include slow growth and repeated infections. Diarrhea, measles, or a respiratory infection are serious complications that can be fatal in a child with marasmus. Diarrhea can also be a contributing cause of marasmus.

What causes child malnutrition?

It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition, usually associated with poor socioeconomic conditions, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness, and/or inappropriate infant and young child feeding and care in early life.

Who first discovered marasmus?

(Czerney & Keller, 1928). in the Gold Coast of Africa described a ‘nutritional disease of childhood associated with a maize diet’ and attributable to protein deficiency. She named it kwa- shiorkor (taken from the Ga language ofGhana, the diseaseofthedeposed babywhen the next one isborn).

What is difference between marasmus and kwashiorkor?

Kwashiorkor, a severe protein deficiency, causes fluid retention and a protruding abdomen. On the other hand, the condition marasmus, which results from severe calorie deficiency, leads to wasting and significant fat and muscle loss (5). Undernutrition can also result in micronutrient deficiencies.

What is scurvy and how is it caused?

Scurvy is caused by not having enough vitamin C in your diet for at least 3 months. Vitamin C is mainly found in fruit and vegetables. Even people who do not eat very healthily all the time are not usually considered at risk of scurvy.

What are the causes of malnutrition in Africa?

According to the report, major causes of malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa include poverty, rising cost of living, and globalisation, which have led to overdependence on staples such as grains and tubers at the expense of nutrient-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs and dairy.

What does marasmus do to the body?

Children who suffer from marasmus display decreased activity, lethargy, behavioral changes, slowed growth, and weight loss. The subsequent effects on the body are wasting and a loss of subcutaneous fat and muscle, resulting in growth retardation.

What is a person suffering from marasmus?

Marasmus is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition that results when a person does not consume enough protein and calories. Without these vital nutrients, energy levels become dangerously low and vital functions begin to stop. Both adults and children can have marasmus, but it most often affects young children in developing countries.

What does marasmus develop from?

Marasmus develops slowly from a severe deficiency of energy (and, in turn, protein and micronutrients ). Over time, this leads to extreme weight loss, muscle and fat loss, and growth impairment. Kwashiorkor occurs more rapidly in response to a severe protein deficit, typically accompanied by underlying infections or disease.