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What is marasmus disease?

What is marasmus disease?

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 causes kwashiorkor disease?

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 kwashiorkor biochemistry?

Kwashiorkor – Physiopedia Definition/Description Kwashiorkor is a form of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) that occurs when there is not enough protein in the diet.1,2 The World Health Organization (WHO) defines malnutrition as “a cellular imbalance between supply of nutrients and energy and the body’s demand for them …

What is kwashiorkor and its symptoms?

Kwashiorkor is a condition resulting from inadequate protein intake. Early symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and lethargy. As protein deprivation continues, one sees growth failure, loss of muscle mass, generalized swelling (edema), and decreased immunity. A large, protuberant belly is common.

What food can cure marasmus?

Initial treatment of marasmus often includes dried skim milk powder mixed with boiled water. Later, the mixture can also include a vegetable oil such as sesame, casein, and sugar. Casein is milk protein. The oil increases the energy content and density of the mixture.

What deficiency causes marasmus?

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.

How can kwashiorkor be prevented?

Kwashiorkor can be prevented by making sure you eat enough calories and protein-rich foods. Dietary guidelines from the Institute of Medicine recommend that 10 to 35 percent of adults’ daily calories come from protein.

What is the treatment for marasmus?

How is marasmus treated? Initial treatment of marasmus often includes dried skim milk powder mixed with boiled water. Later, the mixture can also include a vegetable oil such as sesame, casein, and sugar. Casein is milk protein.

How can we prevent marasmus?

How to Prevent Marasmus?

  1. A nutritious, well-balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and protein will reduce the risk of marasmus.
  2. Foods rich in protein like milk, fish, eggs and nuts are important for energy and growth.

Why do African babies have big stomachs?

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition associated with a deficiency in dietary protein. The extreme lack of protein causes an osmotic imbalance in the gastro-intestinal system causing swelling of the gut diagnosed as an edema or retention of water.