American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

In cases of Marasmus, what is primarily deficient in the diet?

1. Proteins

2. Carbohydrates

3. Fats

4. Vitamins

The correct answer is: Proteins

In cases of Marasmus, the primary dietary deficiency is in proteins, leading to a significant overall caloric deficiency. Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency, where the body's requirements for calories and essential nutrients are not met, resulting in weight loss and muscle wasting. In this condition, the lack of protein intake is particularly detrimental because proteins are crucial for growth, repair of tissues, and production of crucial enzymes and hormones. Without adequate protein, the body starts to break down its own muscle and fat stores to meet energy needs. Though deficiencies in carbohydrates and fats can also contribute to malnutrition, in the context of Marasmus, the absence of adequate protein intake is the defining factor that leads to the clinical signs and symptoms of this condition. A deficiency in vitamins, while it can lead to other forms of malnutrition and related health issues, does not primarily characterize Marasmus as it does with protein-energy malnutrition. Recognizing the importance of protein in the diet is essential for understanding and addressing the nutritional deficiencies associated with Marasmus.