A condition due to inadequate supply of energy and various micro and macronutrients is known as:

IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

Marasmus is a form of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) caused by a severe deficiency in total calories, involving all macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) and micronutrients.
The term 'marasmus' literally means 'to waste', which reflects the characteristic severe wasting of muscle and subcutaneous fat.
It results in a body weight that is less than 60% of the normal for age, sex, and height.
Unlike Kwashiorkor, edema is absent in Marasmus because the visceral protein compartment (including serum albumin) is relatively preserved.

Option B: Rickets is a specific micronutrient deficiency disease affecting bone mineralization, not a global deficiency of energy and macronutrients.
Option C: Kwashiorkor is primarily a protein deficiency, often with adequate or near-adequate energy (calorie) intake. The question specifies an inadequate supply of energy.
Option D: Anaemia is a condition of low red blood cells or hemoglobin, typically caused by a deficiency of specific micronutrients like iron, folate, or vitamin B12.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) and its types as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate differentiation between Marasmus and Kwashiorkor is critical for nurses as the management strategies differ significantly, especially regarding fluid and electrolyte balance during refeeding.
Nutritional screening using tools like weight-for-height charts is a fundamental nursing role in pediatric and community health settings to identify children at risk of severe acute malnutrition.
What if? If the child in question presented with severe wasting but also had mild swelling in the feet, the diagnosis would be Marasmic-Kwashiorkor. This mixed form has features of both conditions and requires careful management of both energy deficit and protein-related complications like edema.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'inadequate supply of energy' and 'various micro and macronutrients'. This points to a global, severe nutritional deficit.
Next, recall the definitions of the conditions listed in the options.
Marasmus is defined by a severe deficiency of calories and all nutrients.
Kwashiorkor is primarily a protein deficiency with adequate calorie intake.
Rickets and Anaemia are specific micronutrient deficiencies.
Compare the question's description with the definitions. The description perfectly matches the definition of Marasmus.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qngnlr3ty2ZoXsQ58uavkc

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 2 (pp 421-820 of 840) p. 143-145

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 355-357

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 440-442