Category: Severe malnutrition

Severe acute malnutrition, encompassing both marasmus and kwashiorkor malnutrition, is a significant global health concern and is linked to nearly half of all preventable deaths in children under five. These are two distinct but related forms of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), each with unique signs, underlying causes, and clinical approaches to treatment.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects millions of children globally, often with life-threatening medical complications. In these critical cases, treatment must follow a cautious, two-phased protocol, which directly explains **why do we start with F-75?** and not a more calorie-dense food.