Kwashiorkor Disease

Kwashiorkor: What is it?

• Kwashiorkor is a very common and widespread nutritional disorder found mostly in developing countries.
• It is a definite form on malnutrition, caused by protein deficiency in the diet.
• Every cell in the body contains protein, which is needed in the diet for your body to repair cells and make new ones. A healthy body regenerates cells like this constantly, while victims with Kwashiorkor, do not.
• Protein is especially important for growth during childhood and pregnancy, so it is very vital for victims to get protein rich sources immediately, as it is most prominent in children.
• This condition is rarely found in the North America although, and mostly in developing countries where protein rich sources are scarce.
• Children who develop Kwashiorkor may not grow or develop properly. It is a very serious condition and can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

Causes & Populations At Risk

Kwashiorkor is mainly caused by not eating enough protein throughout a long period of time. It is most common in countries where there is limited food supply or in places with low levels of education. The disease is most frequently found in children and infants in Africa and Central America, and is especially common in developing countries that are experiencing:

• famine
• political issues
• natural disasters; such as earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes and floods.

These are all events that can lead to lack of food supply, resulting in this disease.

It often occurs during a drought or other natural disaster, or during political unrest. These conditions are responsible for a lack of food, which leads to malnutrition. Kwashiorkor is very rare in children in the North America, as protein rich sources are widley available. However, one government estimate suggests that as many as 50% of elderly people in nursing homes in the United States do not get enough protein in their diet.

Lifestyle Factors

Some factors that influence chances of attaining Kwashiorkor disease would be not getting enough protein sources in the diet, such as

• eggs
• chicken
• tofu

resulting in Kwashiorkor. It is shown that strict vegans can be at risk for this as well, if their diet is not handled carefully enough.

Eating enough of the daily recommended amount of protien in the diet depending on age can prevent the risks of the disease.

Interesting Facts

1. Kwashiorkor was finalized as a disease during the 1930's in the Republic of Ghana

2. The term kwashiorkor means "the disease of the displaced child"

Nutrients Involved

Aside from the lack of protien found in the victim's diets, no other significant nutrients are listed that effect the diet within the Kwashiorkor victims.

Where Nutrients Can Be Found

Foods that contain rich sources of protein include:

• meat
• milk
• cheese
• fish
• eggs
• soy
• beans
• nuts
• seeds
• and some types of grains like quinoa

Symptoms of Kwashiorkor

How Is Kwashiorkor Treated?

Some symptoms that are prominent with the Kwashiorkor disease include:

• change in skin and hair color (reddish-orange colour)
• fatigue
• diarrhea
• loss of muscle mass
• failure to grow or gain weight
• edema (swelling)
• damaged immune system (which can lead to more frequent and severe infections)
• irritability
• flaky rashes
• protruding of the belly
• shock

• Getting more calories will cure the disease if treatment is started early enough
• Victims with the condition will never reach full height and growth potential
• Treatment depends on severity of condition, as people in shock need immediate attention (restore blood volume & maintaining bloodpressure)
• Calories in the form of carbs, simple sugars, and fats are given first. Protiens are given after other sources of calories have provided energy.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential
• Eating can cause problems if calories are too high at first
• Food must be introduced slowly
• Carbs are given first to provide energy followed by protein
• Many children will develop an intolerance to milk sugar, so lactase supplements are required for treatment as well until cured

The Kwashiorkor Disease