Two major diseases resulting from protein deficiency are kwashiorkor and marasmus. These conditions represent severe protein-energy undernutrition and significantly impact millions of children worldwide.
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is primarily characterized by a severe deficiency in protein, although other nutrients may also be lacking. It's often observed in children who are weaned too early from breast milk onto a diet low in protein. Cleveland Clinic describes Kwashiorkor as one of two main types of severe protein-energy undernutrition. Symptoms include edema (swelling), growth retardation, and changes in skin and hair pigmentation.
Marasmus
Marasmus, in contrast to kwashiorkor, is a form of severe protein-energy undernutrition resulting from a general deficiency in calories and protein. Children with marasmus appear extremely emaciated due to the significant loss of muscle and fat tissue. While both diseases stem from insufficient protein intake, marasmus is marked by a more overall energy deficit. Pressbooks-Dev lists Kwashiorkor and Marasmus as the two main syndromes associated with protein deficiencies.
Differentiating Kwashiorkor and Marasmus:
- Kwashiorkor: Primarily protein deficiency, leading to edema and other specific symptoms.
- Marasmus: Overall calorie and protein deficiency, resulting in severe emaciation.
While other conditions involve protein deficiencies, such as mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency (MedlinePlus), protein S deficiency (PubMed), and protein C deficiency (NORD), these are distinct genetic disorders impacting specific proteins, rather than the general protein deficiencies underlying kwashiorkor and marasmus. These genetic conditions are not the primary diseases associated with overall protein deficiency in the diet.
