Question

Marasmus disease is caused due to
a. Protein deficiency
b. Obesity
c. Dwarfism
d. Deficiency of vitamins

Answer 1

Hint: Marasmus, a form of malnutrition, is characterized by energy deficiency. It can occur if a person does not consume enough protein and calories. It leads to dehydration.

Complete answer:
Marasmus is a severe form of protein deficiency malnutrition, occurs when a person does not consume enough proteins and calories which are required. Another reason which causes this disease is some conditions that interfere with the absorption or assimilation of nutrients. It usually occurs in children.

Along with this in children, chronic diarrhea, respiratory infections, stunted growth can occur too. It is a severe form of malnutrition. It has a life-threatening potential, if not treated properly.

There are various symptoms-
- Primary symptom - Acute loss of body fat and muscle tissues, leading to a low BMI.
- Dizziness
- Lack of energy
- Dry skin
Obesity is caused due to vitamin D deficiency. The disease that includes an excessive amount of body fat is called obesity.

Dwarfism is the growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in which the amount of growth hormone in the body is insufficient.
Different vitamins cause different diseases but Anemia is mainly caused due to vitamin deficiency.

Hence, The correct answer is option (A).

Additional information:
The occurrence of Marasmus increases before age 1.
- Prolonged Marasmus may result in impaired growth and mental retardation. Long term effects include slow growth and frequently recurring infections. Immune function is severely compromised, which further leads to various difficulties.
- Marasmus is mainly diagnosed based on anthropometric measurements, especially weight and height.
- There are some of the following factors that cause marasmus: Maternal malnutrition, maternal anemia, parental ignorance, poverty.

Note: Marasmus is one of the three forms of serious protein-energy malnutrition. The other forms are kwashiorkor (KW) and marasmic KW.
Marasmic kwashiorkor(MW), is the third form of PEM that combines features and symptoms of both marasmus and kwashiorkor. It develops when a marasmic patient is subjected to acute stress such as surgery, trauma, or sepsis, superimposing kwashiorkor onto chronic starvation.