Amino acids and Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor results from prolonged insufficient essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan in the diet and greater digestion of carbohydrates. It is a disease associated with underdeveloped third world countries. Young children in areas affected by famine are most at risk. Children continue to grow at a nearly normal rate.Their adipose tissue reserves are decreased as their fat is metabolized. The characteristic symptoms of kwashiorkor are swelling of the abdomen, muscle wasting, hair loss and skin sores.

This condition can be rapidly reserved when the protein component of the diet is improved.