Inadequate protein intake leads to kwashiorkor. The subsequent edema is most closely related to inadequate synthesis of which
protein

Options

A. Insulin
B. Gamma globulin
C. Glucagon
D. Albumin

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Kwashiorkor**:
- Kwashiorkor is a form of severe protein malnutrition that occurs when there is inadequate protein intake despite a sufficient caloric intake. It is characterized by symptoms such as edema, irritability, and an enlarged liver.

2. **Identifying the Symptoms**:
- One of the notable symptoms of Kwashiorkor is edema, which is the swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

3. **Role of Proteins in the Body**:
- Proteins play crucial roles in the body, including maintaining osmotic pressure in the blood vessels. This is important for preventing fluid from leaking into surrounding tissues.

4. **Key Protein Affected**:
- In the case of Kwashiorkor, the protein that is most significantly affected is albumin. Albumin is synthesized in the liver and is essential for maintaining the oncotic pressure of the blood.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Due to inadequate protein intake, the synthesis of albumin is compromised, leading to a decrease in serum albumin levels. This drop in albumin levels results in edema, as the osmotic balance is disrupted, causing fluid to accumulate in tissues.

6. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the protein most closely related to the edema observed in Kwashiorkor due to inadequate protein intake is **albumin**.