Tag: Kwashiorkor

Over 4.9 million adults in the United States experience chronic edema, and for some, the root cause is a lack of proper nutrition. This guide explains **what deficiency causes swelling in legs**, detailing how specific nutritional imbalances disrupt fluid regulation in the body.

Proteins are the workhorses of every cell in the body, and genetic mutations can prevent one or more proteins from functioning properly, disrupting normal development or causing a health condition. In addition to genetic factors, severe dietary deficiencies can also lead to life-threatening diseases by causing a systemic shortage of essential proteins. This comprehensive guide explores the diverse range of diseases caused by missing proteins.

Approximately 30% of adults aged 65 and older experience lower extremity edema, a condition where fluid accumulates, often causing **swollen legs**. While numerous health issues can be responsible, a severe nutritional deficiency, particularly a lack of protein, is a primary culprit behind this swelling.

While many factors contribute to fluid retention, a protein deficiency is a notable cause of leg swelling, or edema. When your body lacks certain essential nutrients, it can disrupt fluid balance and lead to visible swelling.

According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition is a leading cause of childhood death globally, with specific nutrient deficiencies manifesting as visible physical signs. Understanding which deficiency disease causes swollen body parts is a vital first step toward proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

According to UNICEF, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects an estimated 13 million children worldwide at any one time, making it one of the leading threats to child survival. This article will delve into the medical meaning of SAM, explaining its severity, causes, and critical need for treatment.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a condition that contributes to an estimated 45% of child deaths globally. However, in a different medical context, the full form of PEM refers to Post-Exertional Malaise, a hallmark symptom of illnesses like ME/CFS and Long COVID. This article clarifies what is the full form of PEM, differentiating between these two significant health issues.