What is the Difference Between Marasmus and Kwashiorkor?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Marasmus and kwashiorkor are both forms of severe protein-energy undernutrition, but they differ in their specific causes and symptoms. The main differences between them are:
- Causes: Kwashiorkor is predominantly a protein deficiency, while marasmus is a deficiency of all macronutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
- Age Factors: Kwashiorkor most commonly affects children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, while marasmus affects children between the ages of 6 months and 1 year.
- Weight Loss: In kwashiorkor, there is some weight loss, while in marasmus, there is severe weight loss.
- Oedema: Kwashiorkor is characterized by the presence of edema (swelling due to fluid retention), while marasmus does not have this symptom.
- Subcutaneous Fat: Subcutaneous fat is present in kwashiorkor but absent in marasmus.
- Appetite: Children with kwashiorkor have a voracious appetite, while those with marasmus have a poor appetite.
- Texture of the Skin: The skin of children with kwashiorkor has a flaky paint appearance, while the skin of children with marasmus is dry and wrinkled.
- Nutritional Requirements: Kwashiorkor requires adequate amounts of proteins, while marasmus requires adequate amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats for treatment.
Both conditions can lead to death if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery and long-term survival.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Marasmus and Kwashiorkor? Comparative Table: Marasmus vs Kwashiorkor
Comparative Table: Marasmus vs Kwashiorkor
Marasmus and Kwashiorkor are both forms of malnutrition that can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:
Characteristic | Marasmus | Kwashiorkor |
---|---|---|
Age Group | Affects infants under one year of age | Occurs in children between 6 months and 3 years |
Deficiency | Deficiency of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats | Deficiency of proteins |
Main Symptoms | Weight loss, dehydration, chronic diarrhea, and stomach shrinkage | Edema, stunted growth, mental retardation, wrinkled skin, thin legs, bulged eyes, protruded belly |
Subcutaneous Fat | Absent | Present |
Oedema | Absent | Present |
Fatty Liver Cells | No enlargement | Enlargement |
Appetite | Poor | Voracious |
Skin | Dry and wrinkled | Flaky paint appearance |
Nutritional Requirement | Adequate amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats | Adequate amounts of proteins |
Marasmus is caused by a deficiency of both proteins and calories, while Kwashiorkor is caused by a deficiency of proteins alone. Both conditions can lead to long-term health complications if not addressed early on.
Read more:
- Malnutrition vs Undernutrition
- Fasting vs Starving
- Hunger vs Starve
- Anorexia vs Cachexia
- AKD vs CKD
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis vs Starvation Ketoacidosis
- Macronutrients vs Micronutrients
- Cachexia vs Sarcopenia
- Food vs Nutrition
- Hyperkalemia vs Hypokalemia
- Alkaptonuria vs Phenylketonuria
- Pounds vs Kilos
- Obesity vs Overweight
- Anemia vs Iron Deficiency
- Rice vs Wheat
- Diet vs Nutrition
- Anorexia vs Bulimia
- Fat vs Muscle
- Ketosis vs Ketoacidosis