Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor ischildhood disorder caused by lackprotein indiet. The namefromKwa languagecoastal Ghana.

Whenchildnursing,receives certain amino acids vitalgrowth from its mother's milk. Whenchildweaned, ifdiet that replacesmilkhighstarchescarbohydrates,consistsless than 12% total caloriesprotein (ascommonparts ofworld wherebulk ofdiet consistsstarchy vegetables, or where famine has struck),child may develop kwashiorkor.

Symptomskwashiorkor includeswollen abdomen,reddish discoloration ofhairskin. Generally,disease can be treated by adding meat or milk back intodiet; however,casekwashiorkor will permanently affectchild's physical growth and,severe cases, mental development.