Which of the following is a severe form of malnutrition that commonly affects infants and toddlers, most often around the age of weaning through age 5?

Kwashiorkor

The correct answer is Option (4) – Kwashiorkor

The severe form of malnutrition that commonly affects infants and toddlers, most often around the age of weaning through age 5, is known as Kwashiorkor.

Explanation:

• Kwashiorkor is a form of severe acute malnutrition characterized by inadequate intake of protein, along with other essential nutrients.
• It typically occurs in areas where there is a lack of access to sufficient nutritious food, particularly protein-rich sources.
• The condition often develops when a child is weaned from breast milk onto a diet that lacks sufficient protein, such as a diet mainly based on starchy foods like maize or rice.
• Symptoms of kwashiorkor include edema (swelling of the extremities and belly due to fluid retention), skin lesions, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, and impaired growth.
• If left untreated, kwashiorkor can lead to serious complications and even death. Treatment typically involves nutritional rehabilitation with a diet containing adequate protein and other essential nutrients, along with medical care to address any complications.