What condition is kwashiorkor associated with?

Prepare for the WGU PSYC1020 D202 Human Growth and Development Exam. Practice with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and confidence for the exam day!

Kwashiorkor is primarily associated with protein deficiency. This condition often occurs in children who do not consume enough protein-rich foods despite having adequate caloric intake. It is characterized by symptoms such as edema (swelling), irritability, and lethargy, along with changes in hair and skin.

Protein is crucial for many bodily functions, including growth and development, immune response, and the maintenance of muscle and other tissues. When there is an insufficient intake of protein, the body begins to break down muscle and other tissues to meet its needs, which can lead to the severe symptoms observed in kwashiorkor.

The other conditions mentioned in the choices refer to different forms of malnutrition. A vitamin deficiency would lead to diseases such as scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) or rickets (vitamin D deficiency), while carbohydrate malnutrition would typically result in energy deficits rather than the specific symptoms associated with kwashiorkor. Lastly, fat deficiency can lead to conditions related to essential fatty acids, but not to the overt symptoms and clinical presentation characteristic of kwashiorkor. Thus, understanding the role of protein in the diet is critical in recognizing and addressing kwashiorkor.

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