Kwashiorkor disease in children is caused by

Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) primarily caused by a severe deficiency of protein in the diet, even when calorie intake from carbohydrates and fats may be relatively sufficient. It typically occurs in children who have been weaned from breast milk to a diet consisting mainly of starches, grains, or tubers, which are high in carbohydrates but low in protein. This imbalance leads to a decrease in visceral protein synthesis, resulting in hypoalbuminemia and the characteristic bilateral pitting edema (swelling). In contrast, marasmus is caused by a total deficiency of all macronutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, leading to extreme wasting. Therefore, kwashiorkor is specifically associated with a diet that provides sufficient energy through carbohydrates but lacks the essential proteins required for growth and fluid balance.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/kwashiorkor