Marasmus

Definition

Marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency, primarily due to inadequate intake of calories and protein. It typically occurs in infants and young children, leading to significant weight loss, muscle wasting, and a weakened immune system. The lack of essential nutrients disrupts the body's metabolism, causing it to break down muscle and fat for energy, which connects deeply to the integration of amino acid and protein metabolism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marasmus can occur in settings of famine or food scarcity, where individuals lack sufficient calories and protein over an extended period.
2. Symptoms include extreme weight loss, thin limbs, sagging skin, and a noticeable decrease in muscle mass, which are indicators of severe nutrient deficiency.
3. In children, marasmus can lead to developmental delays and cognitive impairments due to the lack of essential nutrients required for brain growth.
4. The body enters a state of catabolism during marasmus, prioritizing the use of stored fat and muscle tissue for energy, which can compromise organ function.
5. Treatment focuses on gradual refeeding with nutrient-dense foods and addressing any underlying medical conditions contributing to malnutrition.

Review Questions

• How does marasmus affect amino acid and protein metabolism in the body?
  • In marasmus, the body experiences an extreme deficiency in both calories and proteins. This leads to a catabolic state where the body breaks down its own muscle tissue for amino acids, which are then utilized for energy production instead of building new proteins. The impaired amino acid metabolism further exacerbates the condition, as the body lacks the necessary building blocks to synthesize proteins crucial for growth and repair.
• Discuss the differences between marasmus and kwashiorkor in relation to protein metabolism.
  • Marasmus is characterized by a lack of both calories and proteins, leading to significant muscle wasting and energy deficiency. In contrast, kwashiorkor results from inadequate protein intake despite sufficient calorie consumption, causing fluid retention and swelling due to osmotic imbalances. While both conditions reflect malnutrition, their impact on protein metabolism differs; marasmus prioritizes the breakdown of muscle for energy while kwashiorkor disrupts protein synthesis due to insufficient dietary proteins.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of marasmus on an individual's overall health and development.
  • The long-term consequences of marasmus can be severe and multifaceted. Individuals, especially children affected during critical growth periods, may experience permanent stunting of growth, cognitive impairments, and weakened immune responses. This impaired health not only affects physical development but also increases susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases. Additionally, the psychological impacts can hinder social interactions and educational opportunities, further perpetuating cycles of poverty and health issues within communities.

Related terms

Kwashiorkor: A form of malnutrition resulting from insufficient protein intake despite adequate calorie consumption, often leading to edema and a distended abdomen.

Catabolism:

The metabolic process where complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones, releasing energy that can be utilized by the body.

Anabolism: The metabolic process that involves the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy and crucial for growth and repair.