Marasmus is caused by a severe nutritional deficiency in general. It is usually found in very young infants and very young children. It can be prevented by breastfeeding. It is actually caused by the total or partial lack of nutritional elements in the food over a period of time.
Kwashiorkor is actually the result of a lack of protein in the diet. It is different from marasmus, which is a total lack of nutrition in the diet. The term kwashiorkor is derived from an African term which means ‘first- second child’. This is because it usually affects children who are weaned away because of the birth of a second child.
http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/difference-between-kwashiorkor-and-marasmus/
Kwashiorkor
1. This disease is caused by the deficiency of protein in the diet of child.
2. Kwashiorkor occurs in children in the age group 1-5 years.
3. The disease is more common in villages where there is small gap period between successive pregnancies.
4. In this disease, swelling of body is observed due to retention of fluids.
5. Wasting of muscles is not evident.
6. Skin changes color and become broken and scaly.
Marasmus
1. This disease is caused by deficiency of protein as well as energy nutrients (that is carbohydrates and fats) in the diet.
2. Marasmus occurs in children below the age of 1 year.
3. This disease is more common in towns and cities where breast-feeding in discontinued quite early.
4. No swelling of body takes place in Marasmus.
5. In Marasmus, wasting of muscles is quite evident. The child is reduced to skin and bones.
6. Skin does not change color and does not break.
