Severe undernutrition due to the deficiency of food and energy is termed as _________.

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) marasmus.
· Marasmus is a condition of severe undernutrition caused by a significant deficiency of food and energy, leading to extreme weight loss, muscle wasting, and weakness.
· It commonly affects infants and young children when there is a lack of adequate calories and protein.
Information Booster:
· Kwashiorkor: Caused by severe protein deficiency, leading to symptoms like edema (swelling) and an enlarged liver, but without significant weight loss as seen in marasmus.
· Wasting: Refers to a loss of body weight and muscle, often seen in conditions like marasmus, but is a general term rather than a specific condition.
· Dementia: A cognitive disorder affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities, unrelated to undernutrition.