What condition is characterized by a deficiency in all nutrients?

Marasmus is characterized by a significant deficiency in all essential nutrients, leading to severe malnutrition. It typically occurs in children due to inadequate caloric intake and is marked by weight loss, muscle wasting, and a general failure to thrive. This condition results from prolonged starvation and not simply a deficiency of macronutrients like protein or carbohydrates but also micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

In contrast, conditions like Kwashiorkor are primarily associated with a deficiency in protein despite adequate caloric intake, while Pellagra is specifically linked to a lack of niacin (vitamin B3) and manifests with symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Megaloblastic anemia, often caused by deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folate, leads to ineffective erythropoiesis and specific hematological abnormalities rather than an overall nutrient deficiency.

Thus, marasmus encompasses a broader and more severe state of nutritional deficiency, impacting all nutrient categories.