Category: Diseases

According to the World Health Organization, protein-energy malnutrition, which includes kwashiorkor, remains a common nutritional disorder globally, especially in regions with food scarcity. This article clarifies which of the following diseases is caused due to the deficiency of proteins, providing a detailed look at the specific condition and distinguishing it from other options.

Historically, severe niacin deficiency affected millions in impoverished communities globally. Pellagra, caused by a lack of vitamin B3, is the systemic disease known for the classic symptoms of diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and if left untreated, death.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of all deaths among children under five years of age are linked to undernutrition, with kwashiorkor being a significant factor in low- and middle-income countries. This severe form of malnutrition is particularly common in regions with high rates of poverty and food insecurity, causing debilitating symptoms in those affected.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cachexia, a condition commonly affecting those with advanced chronic diseases, can cause significant and often irreversible muscle loss. The colloquial term, 'the disease where your body eats muscle,' refers to various medical conditions that lead to muscle wasting and degeneration, impacting strength and mobility.

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, certain medical conditions like anemia and thyroid disorders can cause elevated copper levels in the blood. A high copper level, or hypercupremia, can also result from external factors and indicates that your body is not properly regulating this essential trace mineral.

Historically prevalent in populations with a diet dominated by refined carbohydrates like polished white rice, beriberi is the severe disease caused by deficiency of B1, also known as thiamine. This deficiency can lead to serious and potentially fatal complications if left untreated, affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

According to the World Health Organization, protein-energy malnutrition affects millions globally, and two of its most severe forms, Kwashiorkor and Marasmus, are significant contributors to childhood mortality in developing regions. These distinct deficiency diseases arise from inadequate protein intake, leading to severe health complications.

While often considered a historical disease that plagued sailors on long voyages, scurvy is still present in the modern era. Recent research from 2016 to 2020 has shown a troubling tripling of scurvy incidence in pediatric inpatient populations in the US. Yes, people still get scurvy today, with cases linked to restrictive diets, socioeconomic factors, and certain health conditions.

According to UNICEF, undernutrition is a contributing factor in one-third of all deaths in young children worldwide, with severe protein deficiency leading to two primary diseases: Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. These life-threatening conditions represent the most severe forms of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).

Worldwide, it is estimated that one billion people have inadequate vitamin D levels. Avitaminosis D is the medical term for severe vitamin D deficiency, a condition that disrupts the body's ability to maintain healthy bones and can have wide-ranging effects on overall health.