Which mechanism best explains why insufficient dietary protein leads to peripheral edema in kwashiorkor?

• A. Lack of protein intake leads to hyperalbuminemia that paradoxically pulls fluid out of the vascular space and causes visible swelling due to tissue rupture.
• B. Low synthesis of plasma proteins (especially albumin) reduces plasma oncotic pressure, allowing fluid to move from the vascular compartment into interstitial spaces and cause edema.
• C. Protein deficiency increases capillary hydrostatic pressure directly by stimulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which is the sole cause of edema in kwashiorkor.
• D. Dietary protein deficiency raises the pH of interstitial fluid, causing osmotic water attraction into tissues independent of oncotic forces.

Answer: (B)