Answer:
A protein deficiency resulting in swelling of the body tissue primarily in the feet, legs, and belly is called kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition that occurs when there is a lack of protein in the diet. Protein is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in the body. When there is a deficiency of protein, the body starts to break down its own muscle tissue to obtain the necessary amino acids. One of the main symptoms of kwashiorkor is edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in body tissues. This fluid buildup primarily occurs in the feet, legs, and belly, causing them to swell. Other symptoms of kwashiorkor include a distended belly, thinning hair, skin changes, fatigue, and poor growth in children. It's important to note that kwashiorkor is different from other forms of malnutrition, such as marasmus. Marasmus is a condition characterized by overall protein and calorie deficiency, resulting in severe wasting of muscle and fat tissue throughout the body. In contrast, kwashiorkor primarily affects specific areas of the body due to protein deficiency.
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