A 2 year old child shows stunted growth and slow brain development. He has thin limbs and also shows wasting of muscles. There is great oedema and swelling present over his body parts. He has very less amount of fat present beneath his skin. Which of the following could be a reason for the development of this condition in him?

Options

A. Replacement of mother's milk by foods less in total proteins as well as calories at an early age
B. Replacement of mother's milk by foods less in total proteins, but having high calories at an early age
C. Replacement of mother's milk by foods less in total fats, but having high calories at an early age
D. Replacment of mother's milk by foods less in vitamins and minerals, but having high calories at an early age

Answer

To solve the question regarding the condition of the 2-year-old child, we need to analyze the symptoms presented and the potential causes based on the options provided.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify Symptoms**: The child exhibits stunted growth, slow brain development, thin limbs, muscle wasting, significant edema (swelling), and very little fat beneath the skin. These symptoms suggest a nutritional deficiency, particularly in protein.

2. **Understand the Role of Protein**: Proteins are essential for growth and development, especially in children. They are crucial for building and repairing tissues, including muscles, and are important for brain development.

3. **Evaluate the Options**:
- **Option 1**: Replacement of mother's milk with food low in total proteins and calories. This option is incorrect because a lack of both proteins and calories would lead to severe malnutrition, but the symptoms described suggest a specific deficiency in protein rather than calories.

- **Option 2**: Replacement of mother's milk with food low in total protein but high in calories. This option is plausible. The child may be consuming enough calories but not enough protein, leading to symptoms like edema and muscle wasting, which are characteristic of kwashiorkor, a form of protein-energy malnutrition.

- **Option 3**: Replacement of mother's milk with food low in fats but high in calories. This option is not likely the cause, as the primary issue appears to be protein deficiency rather than fat deficiency.

- **Option 4**: Replacement of mother's milk with food low in vitamins and minerals but high in calories. While vitamins and minerals are important, the specific symptoms presented are more indicative of protein deficiency.

4. **Conclusion**: The most likely cause of the child's condition is **Option 2**: Replacement of the mother's milk by food low in total protein but having high calories at an early age.

### Final Answer:
The reason for the development of this condition in the child is the replacement of mother's milk by food low in total protein but having high calories at an early age.