The role of lipids in development:
w3
fatty acids and pre-term babies
LIPIDS and development
Eicosenoids
Their Possible Role in Develoment
The role of Protein in Development
Kwashiorkor
A protein deficiency disorder of children. It is prevalent in
overpopulated parts of the world where the diet consists mainly of
starchy vegetables, particularly in sections of Africa, Central and South
America, and S Asia. Such a diet, although adequate in calories, is
deficient in certain amino acids, the constituents of proteins vital for
growth. The nursing infant gets the required amino acids from the
mother's milk. But the weaned child, who receives neither milk nor
meat, is likely to develop kwashiorkor. The most striking manifestations
of the disease are a swollen and severely bloated abdomen, resulting
from decreased albumin in the blood, and various skin changes resulting
in a reddish discoloration of the hair and skin in black African children.
Other symptoms include severe diarrhea, enlarged fatty liver, atrophy
of muscles and glands, mental apathy, and generally retarded
development. Kwashiorkor is treated by adding proteins to the diet,
usually in the form of dried milk.
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These children exhibit thin limbs and a swollen bellies, classic symptoms
of kwashiorkor, severe protein
deficiency. This child,(left) although looking like an
infant is probably 3-4 years old.
Kwashiorkor is an African word meaning "red boy" referring to the thin,
light-colored, reddish hair . Although superficially looking fat,
this is a form of malnutrition. At this stage, over all health and
mental development can be impared.
Unlike KW, marasmus can be considered as an adaptation
to an insufficient
energy intake. Marasmus results from a negative
energy balance. Children adapt to an energy deficit with a decrease
in physical activity, lethargy, a decrease in basal energy metabolism,
slowing of growth, and weight loss.
Problem of relying on cassava as staple diet