Category: Clinical diagnosis

Worldwide, protein-energy malnutrition contributes to an estimated 45% of deaths in children under five annually. The criteria for diagnosing protein malnutrition, often called protein-energy undernutrition (PEU), involve a comprehensive assessment of physical signs, laboratory indicators, and dietary history.

According to one survey of pediatricians, nearly two-thirds were unfamiliar with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), contributing to potential misdiagnosis with other eating disorders like anorexia. Given the overlap in restrictive eating and low weight, it is a crucial and complex question: **Can ARFID be mistaken for anorexia**?

While severe vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) is rare in developed countries, with an estimated 7.1% of the U.S. population having a deficiency, its non-specific symptoms can overlap with numerous other conditions. Therefore, understanding **what is a differential diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency** is crucial for proper and timely medical evaluation.