Kwashiorkor vs. Marasmus

Kwashiorkornoun

(pathology) A form of malnutrition, found in children, caused by dietary insufficiency of protein in combination with a high-carbohydrate diet.

Kwashiorkornoun

severe malnutrition in children resulting from a diet excessively high in carbohydrates and low in protein

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor (“kwah-shee-awr-kawr” or “-ker”, IPA: , ) is a form of severe protein malnutrition characterized by edema and an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates. It is thought to be caused by sufficient calorie intake, but with insufficient protein consumption (or good quality protein), which distinguishes it from marasmus.

Marasmusnoun

(medicine) A condition of chronic undernourishment especially in children, caused by a diet deficient in calories or the inability to digest protein and presenting as a severe loss of body weight.

Marasmusnoun

A wasting of flesh without fever or apparent disease; a kind of consumption; atrophy; phthisis.

Marasmusnoun

extreme malnutrition and emaciation (especially in children); can result from inadequate intake of food or from malabsorption or metabolic disorders

Marasmus

Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency. It can occur in anyone with severe malnutrition but usually occurs in children.