Final answer:
The correct answer is D. kwashiorkor, which is a severe form of protein malnutrition in children, mostly occurring after weaning from breast milk, characterized by edema, muscle wasting, and liver complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The health consequence of protein deficiency, especially in young children, that causes edema of the feet and abdomen, poor skin health, and low muscle mass is D. kwashiorkor.
Kwashiorkor is often associated with young children who have recently been weaned from breast milk. This protein malnutrition occurs when the diet after weaning lacks adequate protein, leading the body to utilize amino acids for energy rather than for growth and repair. Common symptoms of kwashiorkor include swelling due to edema, particularly in the hands, legs, and abdomen, indicating hypoalbuminemia.
Affected children may also experience thinning skin that easily peels off, weakened muscles, and hair that becomes loose and can be easily pulled out. Internally, there may be an enlarged liver leading to abdominal distension, and in severe cases, fatty liver and hepatic cirrhosis can develop. The alterations in metabolism can result in anemia, muscle wasting, and serious implications for a child's physical and cognitive development if left untreated.