CLINICAL NUTRITION

Lesson 4: Vitamin A deficiency

Nutritional support

Marasmus should be treated gradually to reverse the loss in body reserves. Overly aggressive repletion can result in severe, even life threatening, metabolic imbalance. Enteral feeding is preferred. Treatment should be started slowly to allow readaptation of metabolic and intestinal functions.

Kwashiorkor requires aggressive nutritional support through parenteral route. Nutritional homeostasis should be attained rapidly.