What causes kwashiorkor?

Kwashiorkor is a form of protein malnutrition associated with very low dietary protein intake. This disorder is common in poverty-stricken areas of the developing world, among those whose staple diet consists primarily of carbohydrates and low in protein.

Kwashiorkor often occurs when a child is weaned from breast milk and introduced to a diet low in protein. The most significant cause is a lack of high-quality protein sources such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and milk.

It is important to note that although protein deficiency is the primary cause, factors such as infections and poor sanitation may exacerbate the condition.