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Marasmus disease is caused due to 
(a) Protein deficiency 
(b) Obesity 
(c) Dwarfism
(d) Deficiency of vitamins 

Answer
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474k+ views
Hint: Marasmus is a deficiency caused by a macronutrient that is the building block of our body and it helps in muscle building. The three forms of this macronutrient are globular, fibrous and, membrane

Complete answer: Marasmus is caused by the protein-energy-malnutrition (PEM) or protein deficiency. The typical symptoms are impaired physical growth, the disappearance of subcutaneous fat, ribs become very pronounced, limbs become thin, skin becomes dry, pale, wrinkled, and weight loss occurs. The solution for this deficiency is a diet with good protein and caloric value.
It can occur in anyone suffering from severe malnutrition but usually in children. Bodyweight is reduced to less than 62 percent of normal (anticipated) age body weight. The occurrence of marasmus increases before age. Marasmus is caused because of maternal malnutrition, maternal anemia, parental ignorance, poverty, pathological conditions in a baby (example: diarrhea), Pneumonia, etc. 
Treatment: The child is initially fed with dried skim milk which can be combined with boiling water. When the child starts to tolerate milk, a vegetable mix including sesame, casein, and sugar can be given. To stop the refeeding syndrome (a metabolic malfunction because of nutrients intake in nutrient deficient individuals), refeeding must be performed slowly. When kids begin healing, they should have more healthy diets that fulfill their nutritional needs. Children affected with marasmus develop several infections and are treated with antibiotics/ other medications.
So, the correct answer is ‘Protein deficiency’.

Note: There are several causes of malnutrition and one-third of the world's population is malnourished. Around 50 million children under the age of 5 have protein-energy-malnutrition. Of the world's population of undernourished children, 80% live in Asia, 15% in Africa, and 5% in Latin America. The prevalence of acute malnutrition is estimated to be 6.1-14 percent in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The prevalence in Turkey is as high as 32 percent.