Mataracy
VIP Contributor
Wet Malnutrition can also be call Kwashiorkor because the child feet, hands, and face are swollen. Kwashiorkor occurs when a child does not eat enough 'body- building' helper foods ( proteins). However, in the very dry parts of Africa, plain lack of food ( and protein) just leads to dry malnutrition ( ( starvation).
It is in those parts of Africa which are hot and humid, but have a drier 'hungry season' ( when main foods have to be stored until the rains for planting come round again), that Kwashiorkor is a problem. In hot, damp conditions, stored corn, cassava and groundnuts can go moldy. It is known that poisons from the mold are not good for small children, especially those short of protein, but they are not harmful to adults. This is certainly one, though maybe not the only reason for Kwashiorkor.
Therefore feed children, whenever possible, with fresh food that has not been stored for long. ( Adults can safely use up food that is slightly moldy.)
The child needs lots of main food rich in energy, and some foods rich in protein. If the family store of main food is rather old, and possibly unsafe, use machine- made powdered corn flour ( for example like dried skim milk, if possible.
It is in those parts of Africa which are hot and humid, but have a drier 'hungry season' ( when main foods have to be stored until the rains for planting come round again), that Kwashiorkor is a problem. In hot, damp conditions, stored corn, cassava and groundnuts can go moldy. It is known that poisons from the mold are not good for small children, especially those short of protein, but they are not harmful to adults. This is certainly one, though maybe not the only reason for Kwashiorkor.
Therefore feed children, whenever possible, with fresh food that has not been stored for long. ( Adults can safely use up food that is slightly moldy.)
The child needs lots of main food rich in energy, and some foods rich in protein. If the family store of main food is rather old, and possibly unsafe, use machine- made powdered corn flour ( for example like dried skim milk, if possible.
