Thread by @FirstDoctor

Pic 1: #Kwashiorkor
Pic 2: #Marasmus

Both are forms of severe #malnutrition due to poor nutrient intake. Both are dangerous to you & your child.

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@DrOlufunmilayo @aproko_doctor @wakawaka_doctor @Dlaureate @nighealthwatch

#Kwashiorkor is distinguished by swelling (or edema) & enlarged liver with too much fat.

It happens when your child consumes enough calories, but with insufficient #protein.

We see this in areas of famine or poor food supply as has been reported in some areas due to lockdown.2️⃣

#Marasmus is total energy deficiency in all forms, including proteins. You see mainly muscle wasting & loss of skin fat.

It can occur in anyone with severe malnutrition but usually in children.

Body weight is reduced to less than 62% of the normal (expected) for age. 3️⃣

Marasmus occurrence increases before age 1.

Kwashiorkor occurrence increases after 18 months.

This is one reason proper breastfeeding & infant nutrition is crucial during early life. 4️⃣

And let me remind us that breast milk is the only food & drink your baby needs until the age of 6 months.

Thereafter, your child needs different kinds of food & should be fed 5 times a day, in addition to breast milk. 5️⃣

@NaijaObgyn @KelvinOssai @urchilla01 @DoctorEmto @tamsjazz @tamarangcouture