Protein Vs. Protein-Calorie Malnutrition

Deficiency of protein is known as kwashiokar, while protein combined with calorie deficiency is called marasmus. Together they are known as Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM). Unfortunately 150 million children below 5 years of age suffer from PEM.

Incidence

• 80% of children suffering from PEM are in Asia

  According to the World Health Organization Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition, around 80% of children suffering from PEM are in Asia, 15% in Africa and 5% in Latin America. American children are generally not affected by this type of malnutrition.

Kwashiokar

• Children suffering from Kwashiokar have eyesight defects.

  A child suffering from kwashiokar is underweight and anorexic. Swelling of his hands, feet and stomach with water, a condition known as edema, is a distinctive feature in such kids. They also have reddish hair, scaly skin and brittle nails due to vitamin deficiencies. Their eyesight is extremely poor, and they usually suffer from infections and diarrhea. Some cases also report liver dysfunctions.

Marasmus

• A marasmic child looks much younger than his age because he is both underweight and stunted. Muscle wasting and lack of any fat in the body is the most striking feature of this condition. The child feels hungry and is alert. The child is also irritable and fretful.

Differences

• Only a child suffering from kwashiokar has scaly skin

  Children suffering from marasmus are generally younger than kwashiokar. A child suffering from kwashiokar has swollen limbs while a marasmic child looks skinnier. The skin of a marasmic child also appears to be better than that of the kwashiokar child. The marasmic child does not suffer from liver problems or severe vision problems either.
  According to Dr Asha Badaloo in a study published in the June 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a kwashiokar child is sicker than a marasmic child and has a higher mortality rate as they suffer from more complex deficiencies. A major reason for this could be that children with kwashiokar are unable to digest fat efficiently in the body. Children with kwashiokar also have a higher mortality rate.

Treatment

• Hospitalization is required in severe cases

  The treatment of a marasmic child is also easier than that of a child suffering from kwashiokar. Severe cases in both the conditions require hospitalization along with treatment with antibiotics for infections. A high protein and energy diet is given to the patients. Eggs, skim milk and fish are good protein sources for kids, while fruits and vegetables can take care of the vitamin and mineral deficiencies.