Question

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

Answer 1

Hint: It is severe malnutrition characterized by nutritional deficiency. This disease usually happens in children that involves the symptoms like loss of muscles and fat, sunken eyes, brittle hair, ribs are clearly visible, poor growth etc.

Complete answer:
Marasmus disease is caused due to vitamin deficiency. It usually occurs when a person’s diet does not contain all the vitamins and nutrients that the body needs to function. It involves wasting of body tissues, mainly muscles, and subcutaneous fat and it resulted in severe restrictions in energy intake. Vegetables and fruits are essential for providing nutrients and minerals and for preventing vitamin deficiencies.

Additional information
The initial symptom of marasmus incorporates an acute loss of body fat and muscle tissues that lead to a remarkably low body mass index (BMI). Other signs of an underlying problem involve rapid weight loss, infections, and sudden changes in behaviour or appetite could be, such as an eating disorder or a chronic health condition.

Treatment for Marasmus:
The treatment for patients suffering from marasmus includes
-Multivitamin supplements enhance hunger and overcome nutrition deficiency.
-Intake of water and other electrolytes containing fluids prevents dehydration symptoms.
-Antibiotics and other medications are given to treat children with pathogenic infections.
-Protein-rich diets like skimmed milk and other energy providing food supplements increase the energy content.
-A well-balanced diet with proteins and vitamins nutrients is given to make the patient’s condition stable.

So, the correct answer is ‘deficiency of ‘vitamin’..

Note: Marasmus is distinguishable from kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is a protein deficiency that involves adequate energy intake however marasmus includes inadequate energy intake in all forms, including protein. The symptoms of kwashiorkor include edema, bulging abdomen, swollen appearance, and inability to grow and gain appearance.