The Biology Project: Cell Biology

Nutrition Tutorial

Problem 4: Kwashiorkor vs. Marasmus

What is the difference between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus?

Both terms mean the same thing, the absence of adequate nutrients.
Kwashiorkor refers to a deficiency in total calories while Marasmus means the absence of essential vitamins.
Marasmus means acute starvation because of the absence of all sources of calories while Kwashiorkor refers to the problems associated with the absence of essential vitamins.
Marasmus means acute starvation because of the absence of all sources of calories while Kwashiorkor refers to problems associated with the absence of one or more essential amino acids.


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