Page 359 - Primary Five Science

Diseases that can result from malnutrition

1. Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is caused by a lack of protein in the diet. Every

cell in your body contains protein. You need protein in your di-

et for your body to repair cells and make new cells.

Signs and symptoms

 loss of muscle mass

 Swollen moon face

 edema (swelling) of the ankles, feet, and

belly

 diarrhoea

 A swollen stomach

 When you press the skin, it takes long

to come back in position

 change in skin and hair color (to

a rust color) and texture

 fatigue

 failure to grow or gain weight

 damaged immune system,

which can lead to more fre-

quent and severe infections

Prevention and cure

Feed children on food containing more proteins e.g.

Meats: beef, pork, poultry
Legumes: beans, peas, groundnuts, etc

Dairy: milk, yoghurt, cheese
Eggs

Fish: silver fish (mukene), Nile pearch and other fish