Step 1: Understanding Kwashiorkor Disease.
Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition caused by a deficiency of protein, despite an adequate intake of calories. It typically affects young children who are weaned from breast milk and do not receive enough protein in their diet.
Step 2: Symptoms of Kwashiorkor.
Symptoms include edema (swelling), delayed growth, skin changes, and fatty liver. Children with kwashiorkor may also have stunted development and weakened immune systems.
Step 3: Why Other Options Are Incorrect.
- (A) Fat: While fat deficiency can lead to other malnutrition-related conditions, kwashiorkor is specifically linked to a protein deficiency.
- (C) Mineral: A mineral deficiency can cause various health issues but not kwashiorkor.
- (D) All of these: This is incorrect because kwashiorkor is specifically caused by protein deficiency.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Kwashiorkor is caused by a deficiency of protein, so the correct answer is (B).