Explain the term Kwashiorkor?
The term Kwashiorkor means the 'disease the first child gets when the second baby is born', that is, 'the sickness of the deposed child'. Thus, the disease could be cured by milk. Kwashiorkor usually affects the young child after he is weaned. The child is usually between 1 and 3 years old and is weaned because the mother has given birth to another child or is pregnant and cannot support both children. If the child has no teeth, he is given the gruel. This may be a fruit, vegetable or cereal product mixed with water and hence n0t.a good protein source. Can you think of a few reasons which could limit or decrease the protein intake? Let us see what these are. Cultural food practices or taboos may further limit the kinds and amount of protein given to the child. Apart from this, concurrent infections, parasites, seasonal food shortages and poor distribution of food amongst the family members may also contribute to the development of kwashiorkor.The deficiency develops not only because of inadequate intake but also because at this age the growth demands for protein and energy are high.