RESEARCH

ABOUT ONE OF THE WELL-KNOWN

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY

DISEASES

FSM 122 - Meal Management

Submitted to:

Ms. JESSEL M. ABATA

GOBRIS, LEIYANA KAYE Q

1-B2 FOOD AND SERVICE MANAGEMENT

Student Center Bldg., MinSU Main Campus, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro | Mobile: 09278071202
uao@minsu.edu.ph | www.minsu.edu.ph
 INTRODUCTION

Nutritional deficiency diseases encompass a range of health conditions stemming

from insufficient intake or poor absorption of essential nutrients. These deficiencies can

lead to a wide range of health problems and disorders, depending on the specific

nutrient that is lacking.

Nutritional deficiency diseases can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but

they are particularly common in populations with limited access to a diverse and

nutritious diet, such as those living in poverty, certain geographic regions with food

scarcity, or individuals with restricted dietary choices due to cultural or economic factors.

The consequences of nutritional deficiencies can vary widely, ranging from mild

symptoms such as fatigue and weakness to more severe conditions such as anemia,

impaired immune function, developmental delays, and increased susceptibility to

infections and chronic diseases. Preventing and addressing nutritional deficiencies often

involves promoting dietary diversity and access to nutrient-rich foods, fortifying foods

with essential nutrients when necessary, educating individuals and communities about

healthy eating habits, and providing supplements or medical interventions when

deficiencies are identified.

Student Center Bldg., MinSU Main Campus, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro | Mobile: 09278071202
uao@minsu.edu.ph | www.minsu.edu.ph
 KWASHIORKOR AND MARASMUS

Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are the two main types of severe protein-energy

undernutrition recognized by healthcare providers worldwide. The main difference

between them is that kwashiorkor is predominantly a protein deficiency, while marasmus

is a deficiency of all macronutrients — protein, carbohydrates and fats. Treatment

involves gradually reintroducing a balanced diet to replenish essential nutrients and

providing supportive care to address any complications. Long-term management may

include nutritional rehabilitation programs and education to prevent recurrence.

According to Cicely Williams (1933), kwashiorkoris the nutritional disease of

childhood associated with a maize diet. The distinguishing feature was the presence of

Student Center Bldg., MinSU Main Campus, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro | Mobile: 09278071202
uao@minsu.edu.ph | www.minsu.edu.ph
oedema, and the rapid demise of these children. In marasmus, a variety of immune

functions are diminished (Sauerwein et al., 1997). Thus, the severely malnourished child

is at high risk for infection because of diminished immune defences, and is typically

exposed to infection because of inadequate sanitation and impaired access to clean

water and safe food.

MAJOR CAUSES OF THE DISEASE

Kwashiorkor

People with kwashiorkor may have food to eat, but not enough protein. A diet mainly

composed of carbohydrates can lead to this condition. Kwashiorkor typically occurs

when there is a severe deficiency of protein in the diet, often in conjunction with a lack of

other essential nutrients. Kwashiorkor is edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the

body's tissues, particularly in the abdomen and limbs. Children with kwashiorkor may

have a swollen, bloated appearance due to the fluid retention.

Marasmus

It occurs more often in young children and infants. Babies who aren’t breastfed or

don’t receive enough calories and protein from breast milk or formula are at risk.

Student Center Bldg., MinSU Main Campus, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro | Mobile: 09278071202
uao@minsu.edu.ph | www.minsu.edu.ph
Marasmus is primarily caused by a general lack of calories and nutrients in the diet,

resulting in chronic energy deficiency. Marasmus is characterized by severe wasting of

muscle and subcutaneous fat, leading to a skeletal appearance. Children with

marasmus may appear emaciated, with loose, wrinkled skin and a gaunt facial

appearance.

Kwashiorkor diagnosed by physically examining the child and observing its telltale

physical signs. They will ask about the child's diet and history of illnesses or infections.

They may measure the child's weight-to-height ratio and height-to-age and score them

according to various charts. While Marasmus, people with marasmus appear

emaciated. The loss of fat and muscle under the skin may cause the skin to hang loose

in folds. Beyond appearances, healthcare providers will measure the height or length of

the person's body and the circumference of their upper arm.

A certain age group more prone to the disease kwashiorkor are usually affects

infants and children, most often around the age of weaning through age 5. The disease

is seen in very severe cases of starvation and poverty-stricken regions worldwide. In the

1950s, it was recognized as a public health crisis by the World Health Organization.

Student Center Bldg., MinSU Main Campus, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro | Mobile: 09278071202
uao@minsu.edu.ph | www.minsu.edu.ph
 Both adults and children can have marasmus, but it most often affects young

children in developing countries. UNICEF estimate that nearly half of all deaths in

children under the age of 5 years, or around 3 million each year, resulting from a lack of

nutrition.

Marasmus is a life-threatening nutrition deficiency disorder which may also lead to

death if the symptoms are ignored. Complete recovery can take a month together even

with proper diet and medication. Along with the treatment, the patient should also take

some preventive steps like: Drinking boiled water. A full recovery can still take months,

even with the right treatment plan. An individual may also need treatment for the

complications, such as infections and dehydration. If marasmus results from an eating

disorder, a person is also likely to need mental health treatment and support.

Kwashiorkor can be cured by eating more protein and more calories overall,

especially if treatment is started early. You may first be given more calories in the form

of carbohydrates, sugars, and fats. Once these calories provide energy, you will be

given foods with proteins. Children with the disease cannot reach their complete height

and growth. Calories are given first in the form of carbohydrates, simple sugars, and

fats.

Student Center Bldg., MinSU Main Campus, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro | Mobile: 09278071202
uao@minsu.edu.ph | www.minsu.edu.ph
REFERENCES

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507876/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313185

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313185#:~:text=A%20full%20recovery%20can%20

still,mental%20health%20treatment%20and%20support.

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

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/marasmus

https://www.healthline.com/health/kwashiorkor#:~:text=Kwashiorkor%20can%20be%20correcte

d%20by,be%20given%20foods%20with%20proteins.

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseasesconditions/kwashiorkor#:~:text=People

%20who%20start%20early%20treatment,%2C%20simpl e%20sugars%2C%20and%20fats.

https://byjus.com/biology/kwashiorkor/

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-marasmus

Student Center Bldg., MinSU Main Campus, Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro | Mobile: 09278071202
uao@minsu.edu.ph | www.minsu.edu.ph