Kwashiorkor vs. Marasmus: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 13, 2023

Kwashiorkor involves protein deficiency with adequate calorie intake, causing edema, while marasmus is characterized by overall nutritional deficiency, leading to significant weight loss and muscle wasting.

Key Differences

Kwashiorkor and marasmus both represent forms of severe malnutrition but manifest through different physiological responses. Kwashiorkor is particularly associated with protein deficiency even with sufficient calorie intake, typically observable through edematous malnutrition, where the affected individual exhibits swelling (edema), particularly in the abdomen. Marasmus, on the other hand, reflects a stark deficiency in overall caloric intake, marked by substantial muscle wasting and drastic weight loss.

Oct 13, 2023

In cases of kwashiorkor, despite a seemingly adequate calorie intake, the lack of protein creates a specific form of malnutrition, characterized by a distinctive swollen belly, often accompanied by changes in skin pigmentation and hair discoloration. Contrastingly, marasmus predominantly arises from a generalized deficiency in nutrient and calorie intake, causing the body to consume its own muscle and fat reserves, resulting in a visibly emaciated appearance, with minimal to no noticeable edema.

Oct 13, 2023

It’s crucial to observe that kwashiorkor often manifests with an individual maintaining some degree of adipose (fat) tissue, despite the prominent abdominal swelling. Marasmus, however, essentially depletes the body’s fat reserves, highlighting pronounced skeletal visibility, and is frequently associated with a weakened immune system and potential for severe infection.

Oct 13, 2023

Treatment for kwashiorkor typically involves the gradual reintroduction of proteins into the diet, coupled with managing electrolyte imbalances that often accompany the disorder. Conversely, addressing marasmus usually necessitates the cautious administration of a nutritionally complete diet, ensuring all essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, are adequately provided to gradually rebuild the individual’s nutrient stores and physical health.

Oct 13, 2023

While kwashiorkor and marasmus can be particularly prevalent in regions grappling with famine and food scarcity, they're not exclusive to such areas, and can manifest wherever dietary intake is insufficiently managed or available, demanding meticulous nutritional rehabilitation for affected individuals in both scenarios.

Oct 13, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Primary Deficiency

Protein despite adequate calories.

Overall calories and nutrients.

Oct 13, 2023

Physical Appearance

Edema, particularly in the abdomen.

Severe muscle wasting, emaciated look.

Oct 13, 2023

Fat Reserves

Sometimes maintained.

Mostly depleted.

Oct 13, 2023

Hair and Skin Changes

Often present (e.g., hair discoloration).

Not typical.

Oct 13, 2023

Typical Onset Age

Usually in young children after weaning.

Can occur in infants and young children.

Oct 13, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Kwashiorkor and Marasmus Definitions

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition mainly caused by protein deficiency.

Despite sufficient caloric intake, the child developed kwashiorkor due to lack of protein.

Oct 13, 2023

Marasmus

Marasmus arises from a generalized deficiency in calorie and nutrient intake.

The child, severely underweight and weak, was diagnosed with marasmus.

Oct 13, 2023

Kwashiorkor

It typically exhibits as edema, especially noticeable in the abdominal area.

The notable abdominal swelling indicated a probable case of kwashiorkor.

Oct 13, 2023

Marasmus

It leads to substantial muscle wasting and significant weight loss.

Marasmus caused her to lose a dangerous amount of weight and muscle.

Oct 13, 2023

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor can present with skin and hair changes, such as discoloration.

The physician noticed hair discoloration, a possible sign of kwashiorkor.

Oct 13, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Marasmus

Marasmus treatment involves carefully managed nutritional rehabilitation.

She was hospitalized to manage her marasmus, initiating a carefully structured dietary plan.

Oct 13, 2023

Kwashiorkor

It occurs often in young children, especially after weaning.

Post-weaning, insufficient protein led to the toddler developing kwashiorkor.

Oct 13, 2023

Marasmus

Marasmus can severely weaken the immune system, elevating infection risk.

His marasmus not only caused weight loss but also heightened susceptibility to infections.

Oct 13, 2023

Kwashiorkor

Managing kwashiorkor involves careful dietary management and often, hospitalization.

Treatment for his kwashiorkor included gradual protein reintroduction and monitoring.

Oct 13, 2023

Marasmus

It can manifest in both infants and young children due to malnourishment.

Infants, like young children, are also vulnerable to marasmus if not adequately nourished.

Oct 13, 2023

Kwashiorkor

Severe protein malnutrition, especially in children after weaning, marked by lethargy, growth retardation, anemia, edema, potbelly, skin depigmentation, and hair loss or change in hair color.

Sep 14, 2016

Marasmus

A progressive wasting of the body, occurring chiefly in young children and associated with insufficient intake or malabsorption of food.

Sep 14, 2016

Kwashiorkor

(pathology) A form of malnutrition, found in children, caused by dietary insufficiency of protein in combination with a high-carbohydrate diet.

Sep 14, 2016

Marasmus

(medicine) A condition of chronic undernourishment especially in children, caused by a diet deficient in calories or the inability to digest protein and presenting as a severe loss of body weight.

Marasmus senilis

Sep 14, 2016

Kwashiorkor

Severe malnutrition in children resulting from a diet excessively high in carbohydrates and low in protein

Sep 14, 2016

Marasmus

A wasting of flesh without fever or apparent disease; a kind of consumption; atrophy; phthisis.

Pining atrophy,Marasmus, and wide-wasting pestilence.

Sep 14, 2016

Marasmus

Extreme malnutrition and emaciation (especially in children); can result from inadequate intake of food or from malabsorption or metabolic disorders

Sep 14, 2016

FAQs

What defines marasmus?

Marasmus is characterized by a severe deficiency in overall calorie and nutrient intake, leading to muscle wasting.

Oct 13, 2023

Can marasmus affect adults?

While marasmus commonly affects infants and children, adults can also be impacted, especially in severe malnutrition scenarios.

Oct 13, 2023

Are there distinctive physical signs of kwashiorkor?

Yes, kwashiorkor frequently exhibits physical signs like abdominal swelling, hair discoloration, and sometimes skin issues.

Oct 13, 2023

How is kwashiorkor identified?

Kwashiorkor is often identified by swelling (edema), especially in the abdomen, and changes in skin and hair.

Oct 13, 2023

Is kwashiorkor only prevalent in impoverished regions?

While common in areas with food scarcity, kwashiorkor can occur anywhere where protein intake is insufficient.

Oct 13, 2023

Can kwashiorkor and marasmus occur simultaneously?

Yes, an individual can experience "marasmic kwashiorkor," showing symptoms indicative of both conditions.

Oct 13, 2023

Does marasmus always result from starvation?

Marasmus is largely associated with starvation but can also stem from malabsorption issues or dietary neglect.

Oct 13, 2023

How does marasmus impact long-term health?

Marasmus can lead to permanent issues, like stunted growth and weakened immunity, if not addressed promptly.

Oct 13, 2023

What demographics are commonly affected by kwashiorkor?

Kwashiorkor often affects young children, especially after being weaned from breastfeeding.

Oct 13, 2023

How does marasmus affect physical appearance?

Marasmus leads to a visibly emaciated appearance with notable muscle wasting and minimal to no body fat.

Oct 13, 2023

Can marasmus be fatal?

Yes, marasmus can be life-threatening, especially without timely intervention and nutritional rehabilitation.

Oct 13, 2023

Is edema present in marasmus?

No, edema is not typically associated with marasmus, which is primarily characterized by muscle wasting.

Oct 13, 2023

How quickly does marasmus develop?

Marasmus can develop gradually over time due to sustained inadequate nutritional intake or more rapidly in acute starvation.

Oct 13, 2023

Can marasmus be reversed?

With timely, appropriate nutritional intervention, the effects of marasmus can often be reversed, though some impacts, like stunting, may be permanent.

Oct 13, 2023

What causes kwashiorkor?

Kwashiorkor is caused by inadequate protein intake despite sufficient calorie consumption.

Oct 13, 2023

Can kwashiorkor lead to developmental issues?

Yes, kwashiorkor can cause developmental delays and impairments, particularly in children.

Oct 13, 2023

Are there cognitive impacts of kwashiorkor?

Kwashiorkor can affect cognitive development and function, particularly in children who experience it.

Oct 13, 2023

Are there preventive measures for kwashiorkor?

Ensuring adequate protein intake, especially in young children’s diets, is pivotal for preventing kwashiorkor.

Oct 13, 2023

How do you treat kwashiorkor?

Kwashiorkor is typically treated with gradual protein reintroduction and careful management of potential electrolyte imbalances.

Oct 13, 2023

What’s the primary focus for treating marasmus?

Marasmus treatment focuses on the cautious reintroduction and escalation of nutrient-dense foods and calories.

Oct 13, 2023

Power vs. Authority

AC Charger vs. DC Charger

About Author

Written by

Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

Edited by

Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.