Q155 / 200 · NEET 2009 (Screening) · Zoology

When breast feeding is replaced by less nutritive food low in proteins and calories; the infants below the age of one year are likely to suffer from

  • Correct answer
    A
    marasmus
  • B
    rickets
  • C
    kwashiorkor
  • D
    pellagra

Solution

Prolonged starvation causes marasmus due to a generalized wasting of body because of both energy and protein deficiency. The body becomes lean and weak, eyes depressed and skin wrinkled. Kwashiorkor is a disease caused by continued deficiency of proteins in diet although energy intake may be adequate. Rickets (in children) occurs due to deficiency of vitamin-D. Pellagra occurs due to deficiency of nicotinamide (vitamin- $\mathrm{B}_5$ ).

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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