MARASMUS

BIOCHEMISTRY ASSIGNMENT – DISORDERS OF PROTEIN DEFICIENCY

REY, DIANNE JULIANNA D.

BSN-1 C

AIREN ROSE LLEGO

BIOCHEMISTRY ADVISER
Introduction

Marasmus is one of the most severe forms of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in the world. It

is a serious disorder that results from a significant lack of calorie and protein consumption as well as

overall deprivation, it affects children between the ages of 3 and 9 months. It is also equally distributed

between the genders, however, as a result of cultural differences in some parts of the world women may

be at an increased risk of marasmus. Children in underdeveloped nations like Africa, Latin America, and

South Asia are also more likely to have marasmus, where there is a high prevalence of poverty,

insufficient food supply, and contaminated water. Water that has been contaminated may include bacteria

or parasites that, when eaten, induce diseases that worsen the condition. Moreover, about three million

children younger than 5 years die every year of malnutrition. Approximately 50 million present with

wasting, and 156 million present with some stunting; 27% of the children in Southern Asia are

underweight and 20% are underweight in Western Africa. (Ranibowitz,2022)

Marasmus is characterized by the loss of bodily tissues, especially muscles and subcutaneous fat,

and typically results from severe energy intake restrictions. Typically, it usually results from early

weaning and poor feeding, which causes the child to starve to death. The child may seem lethargic and

agitated due to the loss of subcutaneous fat and muscle tissue, which are burnt to keep blood sugar levels

stable. (Tulchinsky, and Varavikova,2014)

While it is important to consume enough micronutrients and macronutrients to sustain the

physiological needs of the body; however, consuming too many micronutrients or too many

macronutrients may potentially be harmful to our body. Malnutrition is described as "an inadequate or

excess intake of protein, energy, and micronutrients such as vitamins, and the frequent infections and

disorders that result" by the World Health Organization (WHO). An excessive intake is referred to as

overnutrition, whereas an insufficient intake is referred to as undernutrition. The etiology and appearance

of undernutrition can be used to further categorize the condition. Acute malnutrition brought on by a lack
of protein and calories is referred to as "protein-energy malnutrition". This includes the diseases

kwashiorkor and marasmus. (Titi-Lartey and Gupta,2022).

Signs and Symptoms

Marasmus symptoms will vary depending on the severity and whether associated infections or

other conditions are present. The patients may experience marasmus symptoms daily or just once in a

while. At times any of these marasmus symptoms can be severe. Patients with marasmus may present

common symptoms such as chronic or persistent diarrhea, distended abdomen, dizziness, dry, peeling

skin, emaciated appearance (unlike Kwashiorkor), failure to achieve an appropriate weight to age/size,

fatigue.

Furthermore, there are symptoms that might indicate a serious condition and patients should seek

prompt medical care if any of these symptoms is experienced which includes: Fainting or change in level

of consciousness or lethargy, full or partial paralysis of the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control and

prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. (Lloyd,2021)

Management

Initial treatment of marasmus often includes dried skim milk powder mixed with boiled water.

Later, the mixture can also include a vegetable oil such as sesame, casein, and sugar. Casein is milk

protein. The oil increases the energy content and density of the mixture. Once an individual start to

recover, they should have a more balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Rehydrating should

come first if diarrhea is the cause of dehydration. An individual might not always require IV fluids. Oral

hydration could be adequate. Individuals with marasmus frequently get infections, thus therapy with
antibiotics or other drugs is common. Treating infections and any other underlying health issues can help

give them the best chance of recovery.

The outlook of this condition may be good with the proper diet and medical intervention. In

areas where marasmus and other nutritional issues are prevalent, relief workers can give adequate food

and medical attention. The best results could also happen when a child's parents or guardians understand

the value of nutrition and how to properly prepare foods. Once a child with marasmus starts consuming

more calories, protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients, healthy weight gain and growth can quickly

resume. (Roland,2017)

If marasmus is not identified and treated right away, it might be fatal. Depending on the patient's

health condition, the healing process here is slow and often takes months. As a result, people should

consider the following tips for marasmus prevention. – Eating nutritious food, drinking adequate water,

following a balanced diet and maintaining good hygiene. (Vedantu,2022)

 REFERENCES

Tulchinsky, T. H., & Varavikova, E. A. (2014). Nutrition and Food Safety. The New Public Health, 419–

469. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-415766-8.00008-2

Titi-Lartey, O. A., & Gupta, V. (2022, July 5). Marasmus.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559224

Marasmus (By W. C. Lloyd). (2021, January 11). Health grades.

https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/food-nutrition-and-diet/marasmus

Rabinowitz, S. S., MD PhD. (2022, May 27). Marasmus: Background, Pathophysiology, Body

Composition. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/984496-overview

Roland, J. (2017, March 18). What You Should Know About Marasmus. Health line.

https://www.healthline.com/health/marasmus

Vedantu. (2022, November 3). Marasmus. VEDANTU.

https://www.vedantu.com/biology/marasmus