Marasmus and Kwashiorkor column

• Deficiency in Marasmus


  All macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats)
• Marasmus cause


  Overall lack of food intake
• Marasmus symptoms


  Muscle wasting, sunken eyes, loose skin, stunted growth
• Marasmus appearance


  Emaciated, extremely thin
• Marasmus is often considered the more severe form of malnutrition compared to kwashiorkor.
• Deficiency in Kwashiorkor


  Primarily Protein
• Kwashiorkor cause 


  Diet low in protein but adequate in calories
• Kwashiorkor symptoms


  Fluid retention (swollen belly), muscle wasting in limbs, skin lesions, apathy
• Kwashiorkor appearance


  Potbellied due to fluid buildup, thin limbs and buttocks
• Sometimes, a child may have features of both marasmus and kwashiorkor, which is known as marasmic kwashiorkor.