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easyQ. No. 16207

Marasmus is primarily caused by severe deficiency of which dietary component?

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This question tests a core concept of human nutrition: Marasmus results from severe overall energy deficiency, usually accompanied by inadequate protein intake. Understanding this relationship helps explain how the body obtains energy, builds tissues, maintains immunity and prevents deficiency disease. The correct answer is Total energy and protein. Students should connect the nutrient with its principal function, common dietary sources and characteristic deficiency or excess.

ATotal energy and protein
BOnly vitamin C
COnly iodine
DOnly dietary fibre
Correct Answer: Total energy and proteinYour Answer: A

Explanation

Correct answer: Total energy and protein. Marasmus results from severe overall energy deficiency, usually accompanied by inadequate protein intake. It produces marked wasting of muscle and subcutaneous fat, growth failure and an underweight appearance without the typical oedema of kwashiorkor. Isolated vitamin C, iodine or fibre deficiency causes different conditions and does not explain severe generalized wasting. The distractors are related to nutrition, but each describes a different nutrient, function, energy value or deficiency condition. A good solution identifies the key physiological clue and then checks every option against established nutritional science.

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Nutrition FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

What nutrients does the human body need?

The body needs carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Dietary fibre also supports digestive and metabolic health. A balanced diet supplies these components in amounts suited to a person’s age, activity and physiological needs.

Which nutrition facts are commonly tested in competitive exams?

Competitive exams commonly test nutrient functions and sources, energy values, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, balanced diets, and protein-energy malnutrition such as kwashiorkor and marasmus.

How should nutrient-deficiency questions be revised?

Learn each nutrient as a four-part link: its major dietary sources, principal function, characteristic deficiency and important excess effect. This method makes similar options easier to distinguish.

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