Digestion and Absorption Question 68
68. Kwashiorkor disease is due to: [2019, Odisha]
(a) protein deficiency not accompanied by calorie deficiency.
(b) simultaneous deficiency of proteins and fats.
(c) simultaneous deficiency of proteins and calories.
(d) deficiency of carbohydrates.
Show Answer
Answer : a
Hints & Solution
(a) Kwashiorkor is a severe protein malnutrition but unaccompanied by calorie deficiency. It results from the replacement of mother’s milk by a high calorie-low protein diet in a child more than one year in age. The symptoms are oedema, stunted growth, mental retardation, wrinkled skin, thin legs, bulged eyes, protruded belly. Kwashiorkor is a form of severe protein malnutrition characterized by edema and an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates. It is caused by sufficient calorie intake, but with insufficient protein consumption, which distinguishes it from marasmus. Kwashiorkor cases occur in areas of famine or poor food supply. Delayed growth in children, a swollen stomach and frequent infections are symptoms. Treatment for kwashiorkor may include a slow increase in calories followed by an increase in protein.
