Topic overview

Start with the big picture

The lesson surveys protein-energy malnutrition, contrasting marasmus—marked by severe wasting and absence of edema—with kwashiorkor, which is associated with edema, hypoalbuminemia, fatty liver, and skin or hair changes. It then organizes nutritional disorders by nutrient group. Examples include night blindness in vitamin A deficiency, rickets or osteomalacia in vitamin D deficiency, bleeding manifestations in vitamin C or K deficiency, and neurologic or hematologic findings in selected B-vitamin deficiencies. Mineral topics include iron deficiency and overload, iodine-related thyroid effects, zinc deficiency, and copper disorders. The preview highlights these associations; the full lesson develops the topic across its specific nutrient headings.