CDIP Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

Kwashiorkor is recognized as a severe form of protein malnutrition that particularly affects children, especially during times of famine or when there is inadequate protein intake despite sufficient calorie consumption. This condition is characterized by a range of symptoms, including edema (swelling), irritability, an enlarged liver, and skin changes.

The primary cause of Kwashiorkor is a deficiency in protein, which is critical for the development and maintenance of body tissues, immune function, and overall growth. During famine, children may receive enough calories from carbohydrates, but if their diet lacks sufficient protein, they are at risk for developing this condition. The physiological effects of Kwashiorkor highlight the importance of balanced nutrient intake, particularly protein, for children's health and development.

Other forms of malnutrition, like protein-calorie malnutrition, encompass broader categories that may not focus solely on the absence of protein as seen in Kwashiorkor. Vitamin A deficient malnutrition specifically relates to the lack of vitamin A, and severe malnutrition may describe a range of nutritional deficiencies without pinpointing the critical role of protein. Thus, while the terms might overlap in the context of malnutrition, Kwashiorkor distinctly addresses severe protein deficiency, making it the correct choice in this case