What are the causes of kwashiorkor and marasmus?

As a domain expert in the field of nutrition and public health, I have spent considerable time studying the various factors that contribute to the development of malnutrition, specifically kwashiorkor and marasmus. These two conditions are both forms of severe malnutrition, yet they present with different symptoms and arise from distinct nutritional deficiencies. Understanding the causes of these conditions is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat malnutrition, especially in vulnerable populations such as children. Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition that is typically associated with a deficiency in protein intake. It is most commonly seen in children who have been weaned from breast milk but have not yet received an adequate diet that includes sufficient protein. The term "kwashiorkor" is derived from the Ga language of Ghana and translates to "the disease the first child gets when the second child is born," reflecting the common scenario in which the first child is displaced from the exclusive breast-feeding period by a new sibling. The causes of kwashiorkor are multifaceted and include: 1. Inadequate Protein Intake: The primary cause is a diet low in protein, which is essential for growth and maintenance of body tissues. 2. Infection: Children with kwashiorkor are often more susceptible to infections, which can further exacerbate their nutritional status. 3. Social and Economic Factors: Poverty, lack of education, and inadequate access to healthcare can contribute to the development of kwashiorkor. 4. Displacement from Breastfeeding: When a new sibling is born, the older child may be weaned off breast milk, leading to a sudden decrease in protein intake. 5. Improper Weaning Practices: If the transition from breast milk to solid foods is not managed well, it can result in a protein-deficient diet. 6. Food Insecurity: In regions where there is a scarcity of food, children may not receive the necessary nutrients to support their growth. Marasmus, on the other hand, is characterized by a severe deficiency in both protein and energy intake. It is often seen in infants and young children who are fed a diet that lacks both quantity and quality. The causes of marasmus include: 1. Energy Deficiency: A diet lacking in calories leads to the body consuming its own tissues for energy, resulting in the wasting away of muscle and fat. 2. Inadequate Feeding Practices: In some cases, infants may not be fed enough, or they may be fed a diet that is not nutritionally complete. 3. Poverty and Food Scarcity: Economic hardships can lead to a lack of access to a variety of foods, resulting in a monotonous diet that lacks essential nutrients. 4. Illness: Chronic illnesses can increase the metabolic demands of the body, making it difficult for a child to maintain a healthy nutritional status if the diet is not sufficiently caloric. 5. Disruption of Feeding: Any disruption in the feeding routine, such as during times of illness, can lead to a rapid decline in nutritional status. 6. Infant Feeding Choices: In some cultures, infants may be fed with diluted or low-calorie foods instead of the recommended exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months of life. Both kwashiorkor and marasmus are serious conditions that can have long-lasting effects on a child's growth and development. Preventative measures include ensuring access to a balanced diet, promoting exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months of life, and providing education on proper nutrition and feeding practices to families. Now, let's proceed to the translation of the above information into Chinese.

Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency. It can occur in anyone with severe malnutrition but usually occurs in children. A child with marasmus looks emaciated. ... Marasmus occurrence increases prior to age 1, whereas kwashiorkor occurrence increases after 18 months.