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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about kwashiorkor is true?
A
Kwashiorkor is most commonly found in populations with high protein diets.
B
Kwashiorkor is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver due to high carbohydrate intake.
C
Kwashiorkor is caused primarily by a severe deficiency of dietary protein.
D
Kwashiorkor is a genetic disorder affecting the nervous system.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'kwashiorkor.' Kwashiorkor is a form of severe malnutrition caused primarily by a deficiency in dietary protein, often seen in populations where the diet is high in carbohydrates but lacks adequate protein.
Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Kwashiorkor is most commonly found in populations with high protein diets.' This is incorrect because kwashiorkor is caused by a lack of protein, not an abundance of it.
Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Kwashiorkor is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver due to high carbohydrate intake.' While kwashiorkor can involve fat accumulation in the liver, the primary cause is protein deficiency, not carbohydrate intake.
Step 4: Assess the third statement: 'Kwashiorkor is caused primarily by a severe deficiency of dietary protein.' This is correct because the defining feature of kwashiorkor is a lack of protein in the diet, leading to symptoms such as edema, muscle wasting, and liver dysfunction.
Step 5: Examine the fourth statement: 'Kwashiorkor is a genetic disorder affecting the nervous system.' This is incorrect because kwashiorkor is not a genetic disorder; it is a nutritional deficiency condition.