Question

What diseases are caused by protein deficiency?

Answer 1

Protein deficiency: This type of disease occurs when protein is either not present in the diet or is present in an extremely low amount.

Diseases caused due to protein deficiency are:

1. Kwashiorkor - Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition. The main sign of kwashiorkor is excess fluid in body tissues, causing swelling under the skin (edema).
2. Marasmus - A form of acute malnutrition; Swelling or edema due to fluid retention due to protein deficiency.

Protein deficiency is most commonly seen in children (6 months to 3 years old) whose diets are low in protein and calories.