Protein Calorie Malnutrition | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Protein-calorie malnutrition, manifested in forms such as Marasmus (marked by stunted growth and wasting) and Kwashiorkor (resulting from protein deficiency and featuring tissue edema and damage), heightens the vulnerability to fatalities caused by infections like pneumonia, chickenpox, or measles.

Causes

Both kwashiorkor and marasmus are prevalent during infancy and childhood, arising due to inadequate dietary amino acid content to meet the demands of growth. Kwashiorkor commonly emerges around the age of 1, following the transition from breast milk to a protein-deficient diet comprising starchy gruels or sugar water. However, it can manifest at any point during the early years of development. On the other hand, marasmus impacts infants aged 6 to 18 months, either due to breastfeeding inadequacy or in the presence of chronic diarrhea.

Signs and symptoms

Children experiencing chronic protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) exhibit stunted growth for their age, along with physical inactivity, mental apathy, and increased susceptibility to frequent infections. Anorexia and diarrhea are prevalent symptoms.

In cases of acute PCM, children appear small, emaciated, and gaunt, lacking adipose tissue. Their skin is dry and loose, and hair is sparse with a dull brown or reddish-yellow hue. They have a lowered temperature, slow pulse rate, and reduced respiration. Despite being weak and irritable, they may experience hunger, accompanied by anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.

In contrast to marasmus, chronic kwashiorkor allows the patient to grow in height, although adipose tissue diminishes as fat is metabolized to meet energy requirements. Severe muscle wasting is often concealed by edema, and common manifestations include dry, peeling skin and hepatomegaly. Patients with secondary PCM exhibit symptoms akin to marasmus, primarily involving the loss of adipose tissue and lean body mass, lethargy, and edema.