Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition most often found in children. It is caused by not eating enough protein, despite a reasonable intake of calories.
Like other forms of malnutrition, kwashiorkor initially causes:
If the
Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition most often found in children. It is caused by not eating enough protein, despite a reasonable intake of calories.
Like other forms of malnutrition, kwashiorkor initially causes:
If the person continues to be deprived of protein, they will typically:
Many malnourished children will become intolerant to milk sugar (develop lactose intolerance).
Kwashiorkor is commonly seen in developing regions of the world, where there is famine or a limited food supply. It is particularly seen in countries where the diet consists mainly of corn, rice and beans.
It is more common in children than adults.
Kwashiorkor is unusual in developed countries such as the UK and the US – cases that are seen in these countries may be a sign of child abuse and severe neglect.
Kwashiorkor can be diagnosed on physical appearance (the pot belly and oedema) and knowledge about the person's diet. The diagnosis can be confirmed by blood and urine tests showing the following:
Other tests may include growth measurements, calculating body mass index, taking a skin biopsy and analysing a hair sample.
A person with kwashiorkor must first have their blood and body fluid levels corrected, and any infections treated. This may take 48 hours.
Only then can small amounts of food be introduced slowly – carbohydrates first, to provide energy, followed by high-protein foods.
This reintroduction of food may take over a week. At this point, a child should be consuming about 175 calories and 4g protein per kg of bodyweight, and an adult 60 calories and 2g protein per kg of bodyweight.
Vitamin and mineral supplements may also be given.
How well the person does after treatment depends on their stage of malnutrition when treatment began.
If treatment was sta