Deficiency, Non-Contagious and Other Diseases Archives

Kwashiorkor disease in children is caused by

sufficient carbohydrates but less fats in diet

sufficient carbohydrates and fats but deficient proteins in diet

sufficient vitamins but deficient fats in diet

sufficient fats but deficient vitamins in diet

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2017

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Kwashiorkor disease in children is caused by sufficient carbohydrates and fats but deficient proteins in diet.

Kwashiorkor is a form of severe protein malnutrition characterized by edema (swelling) due to fluid retention, enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates, and stunted growth. It typically affects children who are weaned onto diets that are low in protein, even if they contain adequate calories from carbohydrates and fats.

This disease is common in regions where staple foods (like grains or roots) are high in carbohydrates but low in protein. Marasmus is another form of severe malnutrition caused by deficiency in both protein and total calorie intake.