Kwashiorkor, << KWAH shee `awr` kawr, >> is a disease caused by a severe lack of complete protein. All protein consists of building blocks called amino acids. But only complete protein has the nine amino acids that the body either cannot make, or cannot make in sufficient amounts. Kwashiorkor occurs mostly in developing nations whose people lack foods high enough in complete protein. It generally strikes children from 1 to 3 years old, and it can be fatal.
Young children need large amounts of complete protein for growth and various body functions. Many mothers continue breast-feeding their babies for two years in addition to feeding them solid foods. Breast milk provides a complete-protein supplement. But the amount is generally small and protects against deficiency only if the basic diet is reasonably adequate. A nursing mother who becomes pregnant generally stops breast-feeding. In many cases, the child then eats only starchy, low-protein foods and kwashiorkor is likely to occur.
Kwashiorkor stops or slows down a baby’s growth. In severe cases, the muscles waste away, and the skin swells with body fluids. The child becomes extremely listless and resents any kind of disturbance, even feeding. As the disease progresses, the skin loses its natural color and may develop dark patches. Kwashiorkor also damages the liver and the small intestine, and it may cause black hair to turn reddish-brown. Many victims suffer anemia and show some vitamin deficiencies.
Kwashiorkor is fatal unless the victim receives protein. Treatment generally consists of supplementing the diet with dried skim milk and other high-protein foods. Vitamin and mineral supplements may also be necessary. Antibiotics are often given because kwashiorkor lowers a child’s resistance to infection. Many children who survive kwashiorkor do not reach their potential physical growth.
