Evaluation of protein and mineral nutrients in cattle hide scraps used for treating children with kwashiorkor in Bukavu

Abstract

More than half of the world’s diseases can be attributed to unbalanced energy intake and to deficiencies in vitamins and mineral nutrients [1-3]. Developing countries pay the major tribute of it as they face serious health problems due to undernourishment of children and pregnant women [3]. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), also known as proteincalorie malnutrition, is currently the most serious nutritional problem faced by Africa and other developing regions. The two severe clinical forms of PEM are kwashiorkor and marasmus [4]. Kwashorkor is mainly a protein deficiency and marasmus an energy deficiency (calories). Beside those two forms, there are many intermediate forms, such stunting which is a short linear growth not translated in direct clinical disease [3,4]. Children who develop kwashiorkor may not grow or develop properly and may remain stunted for the rest of their lives.