Question

Which of the following diseases is a result of protein deficiency?

• A. Scurvy
• B. Rickets
• C. Kwashiorkor
• D. Beriberi

Hint:

Kwashiorkor is often seen in children transitioning from breastfeeding to a diet high in carbohydrates but low in protein, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition during early development.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Option 3: is the correct answer 

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein malnutrition characterized by adequate calorie intake but insufficient protein consumption. It commonly affects children in regions experiencing famine or food scarcity. Symptoms include edema, irritability, an enlarged liver, and skin conditions. Unlike marasmus, which results from overall calorie deficiency, kwashiorkor specifically arises from a lack of protein, leading to impaired growth and development.
Characteristics of Kwashiorkor: Edema (swelling) due to low plasma protein levels Fatty liver (hepatomegaly) Dermatitis and hair discoloration Irritability and lethargy 
Conclusion: Kwashiorkor is directly caused by protein deficiency, distinguishing it from other malnutrition-related diseases involving vitamin deficiencies or overall calories. 

Answer 2

Option 3: Kwashiorkor is the correct answer

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein malnutrition that strikes when your diet has enough calories—like from rice or bread—but lacks protein, the building block of life. It’s a big deal for kids, especially in famine-hit or food-scarce areas where protein-rich foods like eggs, lentils, or meat are hard to come by. Imagine your body as a house: calories give you energy to run it, but without protein, the walls start crumbling! Symptoms include puffy swelling (edema), a cranky mood, a swollen liver, and skin that looks like it’s peeling paint. Unlike marasmus, which comes from starving on all fronts (calories + protein), kwashiorkor is the VIP of protein deficiency—making it the perfect pick for this question.

Why Kwashiorkor Happens
Picture a toddler weaned off protein-packed breast milk and stuck eating only starchy stuff like porridge or maize. The calories keep them going, but without protein, their body can’t make vital stuff like albumin (a blood protein). This leads to fluid leaking out of blood vessels, causing that classic bloated belly.

Characteristics of Kwashiorkor:

• Edema (Swelling): Low protein in the blood means fluid escapes into tissues—think swollen legs, feet, and a potbelly. It’s like your body turns into a leaky sponge!
• Fatty Liver (Hepatomegaly): Without protein to process fats, your liver gets clogged and swells up—imagine it as a greasy balloon inflating inside you.
• Dermatitis and Hair Discoloration: Skin flakes off or gets patchy, and hair turns thin, brittle, or even reddish-gray. It’s your body’s SOS signal!
• Irritability and Lethargy: Kids get grumpy and tired fast—no protein, no energy to grow or play. Think of it as a phone on low battery.

Kwashiorkor vs. Other Diseases: Don’t Fall for Traps!
Here’s how kwashiorkor stands out:
- Marasmus: Total starvation (protein + calories). Kids look bony, not swollen—wrong answer here!
- Scurvy: Vitamin C issue—bleeding gums, not protein.
- Rickets: Vitamin D problem—bowed legs, not even close!
Kwashiorkor’s laser focus on protein deficiency makes it the star of this MCQ. Memorize this, and you’ll dodge those tricky distractors!

Real-World Connection
In places like rural India or Africa, kwashiorkor hits when diets lean hard on starch (rice, yam) with no protein variety.

Conclusion:
Kwashiorkor is THE disease caused by protein deficiency, setting it apart from marasmus (calorie-related) or vitamin deficiency diseases like scurvy.