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Kwashiorkor: Nutrition and Food Aid Organizations

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KWASHIORKOR. INTRODUCTION Kwashiorkor is a medical condition that develops due to an insufficient intake of proteins. This disease was first identified and described in the 1930”s in Ghana. The word kwashiorkor originated from the Ga language widely spoken in many parts of Ghana. It literally means “one who is physically displaced.” Also called protein energy malnutrition (PEM) or malignant nutrition. This malnutrition disease is common in areas where there is drought, famine, areas with limited food supply and places where there is low level of education (people do not understand the importance of a proper diet). Unfortunately it is more common in poor countries especially in times of drought or political unrests and it mainly affects …show more content…

However children in this condition never reach their full potential for height and growth.  However during treatment calories should be given in form of carbohydrates, simple sugars and fats so as to provide energy then followed by proteins without omitting vitamins and minerals.  Due to lack of appetite eating can cause problems therefore food must be reintroduced slowly.  Many malnourished children develop intolerance to milk sugar therefore this is supplemented with enzyme lactase for them to tolerate milk programs.  Infections may require treatment with antibiotics. PREVENTION Kwashiorkor can be prevented by:  Eating of a balanced diet without forgetting that food must be stored properly. Make sure diet has enough carbohydrates, fat (preferably 10% of total calories) and protein (12%of total calories).  Encouraging food aid organizations to offer nutritional education and grants of food or farming assistance to those who are unaware of good nutrition techniques and have limited food supplies. CONCLUSION Kwashiorkor is a very serious disease. Getting treatment early generally leads to good results. However, neglect and inappropriate treatment can result into complications which are serious and life-threatening such as permanent mental and physical disability, shock, coma among others. Therefore let us keep in mind the proverb that says “Prevention is better than cure” if we want to have a peaceful and

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