Kwashiorkor, a form of malnutrition, is caused by the deficiency of

Minerals

Vitamins

Fats

Proteins

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2022

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Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition affecting children, particularly in regions with high rates of poverty and food insecurity. It is characterized by fluid retention (edema), poor growth, and other symptoms.

– Kwashiorkor is primarily caused by a severe deficiency of dietary protein, often occurring even when calorie intake from carbohydrates is relatively adequate.
– Protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, synthesis of enzymes and hormones, and maintaining fluid balance. Its deficiency leads to the characteristic symptoms of kwashiorkor.

Another major form of severe acute malnutrition is marasmus, which is characterized by severe deficiency of both calories and protein, leading to extreme wasting of body fat and muscle. Kwashiorkor and marasmus are sometimes referred to collectively as protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).

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