Effects of Kwashiorkor on children

Kwashiorker is an African word- it means displaced child. The child is weaned out very early and is given foods having high amounts of carbohydrates and very low amounts of proteins. This is a disease due to protein deficiency in the diet.

Effects of Kwashiorker on children:

1. In children affected with kwashiorkor, growth is slowed down.
2. Body parts become swollen due to accumulation of water in the intercellular spaces.
3. Development of muscles will be very poor and the legs are usually swollen.
4. Face will be fluffy and moon shaped.
5. Appetite in the child is impaired and the child finds it difficult to eat the food.
6. The child very frequently suffers with diarrhoea.
7. Hair become thin and does not have normal shine.
8. The skin becomes dry and loose.
9. The child becomes lethargic and shows little interest in its surroundings (or) in playing and learning.