Which disease is caused due to malnutrition? Understanding the health consequences

November 15, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 are linked to undernutrition. The question of which disease is caused due to malnutrition is complex, as deficiencies in protein, calories, and essential micronutrients can trigger a wide range of serious health problems.

Quick Summary

Malnutrition leads to numerous health issues like Kwashiorkor, Marasmus, and various vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These conditions can result in developmental delays, organ damage, and weakened immune function.

Key Points

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM): Severe deficiency of protein and calories causes life-threatening conditions like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus, primarily affecting children.
Kwashiorkor's Defining Symptom: This condition, caused by protein deficiency, is characterized by edema, or fluid retention, leading to a swollen appearance that can mask underlying muscle wasting.
Marasmus's Extreme Wasting: In contrast to Kwashiorkor, Marasmus is marked by severe emaciation due to both calorie and protein deprivation, giving a skeletal and aged appearance.
Micronutrient Deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can cause specific diseases, such as scurvy (vitamin C), rickets (vitamin D/calcium), and anemia (iron).
Weakened Immune System: Malnutrition severely compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections, which can further deplete the body's resources and worsen the nutritional status.
Long-term Effects: If not treated early, especially in childhood, malnutrition can cause permanent damage, including stunted growth, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Malnutrition Explained

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. It encompasses both undernutrition and overnutrition, along with micronutrient deficiencies. Undernutrition is a significant global health challenge, often linked to poverty and food insecurity.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

PEM, a severe lack of protein, calories, and other vital nutrients, is the most lethal and widespread form of malnutrition. It primarily affects children and presents as Kwashiorkor and Marasmus.

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is predominantly a severe protein deficiency. It often occurs in children transitioning from breastfeeding to low-protein diets. A key symptom is edema, causing swelling in the limbs and a bloated abdomen. Other symptoms include fatigue, skin and hair changes, and a compromised immune system.

Marasmus

Marasmus results from a severe deficiency of both calories and protein, leading to extreme wasting of fat and muscle tissue. Children with marasmus appear emaciated with a gaunt face. Symptoms include drastic weight loss, severe muscle and fat loss, growth stunting, and weakness.

Micronutrient Deficiency Diseases

Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can cause diseases like iron deficiency anemia, rickets, scurvy, pellagra, and goiter.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Insufficient iron prevents adequate hemoglobin production.

Rickets

A lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate weakens bones in children.

Scurvy

Severe vitamin C deficiency impacts collagen synthesis.

Pellagra

Caused by niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency, leading to dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and potentially death.

Goiter

An enlarged thyroid gland, often due to iodine deficiency.

Comparison of Kwashiorkor and Marasmus


Feature	Kwashiorkor	Marasmus
Primary Deficiency	Protein	Protein, carbohydrates, and fats
Appearance	Bloated or swollen abdomen, puffy face	Severely emaciated, wasted muscles and fat
Edema	Present, a hallmark symptom	Absent
Weight Loss	Masked by fluid retention	Severe weight loss
Hair/Skin Changes	Common, including brittle hair and skin lesions	Less common, skin can be dry and wrinkled
Fatty Liver	Enlarged liver due to fatty changes	No enlarged fatty liver
Recovery	Edema disappears with treatment	Weight gain and fat deposition occur more gradually

The Vicious Cycle of Malnutrition and Infection

Malnutrition weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Infections, in turn, worsen malnutrition. This cycle leads to poorer health outcomes and higher mortality.

Conclusion

Malnutrition causes a range of diseases, from PEM like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus to specific micronutrient deficiencies. These conditions can have devastating and long-lasting effects, particularly on children's growth and development. Early diagnosis, nutritional intervention, and addressing underlying social factors are crucial for successful treatment and prevention. Organizations like the World Health Organization work to improve nutrition globally.

Resources

For more information on global malnutrition issues and strategies, refer to the resources provided by {Link: the World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition}.

Preventing Malnutrition-Related Diseases

Prevention involves ensuring a balanced diet, access to clean water, and proper hygiene. Food fortification and nutritional supplements are often needed to combat specific deficiencies. Public health initiatives addressing poverty and food insecurity are also vital.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common disease caused by severe protein deficiency, especially in children, is Kwashiorkor. It leads to symptoms like a bloated abdomen due to edema, skin lesions, and hair changes.

Yes, malnutrition is a major cause of anemia, particularly due to deficiencies in iron, but also vitamin B12 and folate. These nutrients are essential for producing healthy red blood cells.

Kwashiorkor is primarily a protein deficiency characterized by fluid retention (edema) and a bloated appearance, while Marasmus is a deficiency of both protein and calories, resulting in severe and visible body wasting.

A child who lacks sufficient vitamin D or calcium can develop rickets. This disease causes weak and soft bones, leading to conditions like bowed legs, bone pain, and skeletal deformities.

While rare in developed countries, scurvy still occurs in individuals with severe vitamin C deficiency, often due to highly restrictive diets or limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Symptoms include bleeding gums and easy bruising.

Yes, malnutrition can have significant adverse effects on cognitive function, especially during early life and periods of rapid growth. Deficiencies can lead to developmental delays, impaired learning, and reduced mental function.

Malnutrition weakens the immune system by impairing the production of white blood cells and other substances needed to fight infection. This makes malnourished individuals more susceptible to illnesses and infection.