What You Should Know About Protein Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention Tips

Protein deficiency is a state where your body does not have enough proteins or amino acids to perform regular functions. As a result, negative nitrogen balance and protein deficit are interchangeable terms. A protein-deficient diet, various conditions, or, more generally, protein malnutrition, which leads to protein insufficiency. The most prevalent kind of protein shortage is protein-energy malnutrition, which can cause conditions like kwashiorkor.  

Protein deficiency

Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are around 10000 distinct proteins in your body. Every element of the body, including hairs, bones and nails, contains proteins. They aid in the production and maintenance of cells, which are essential for development and growth. The components that make up proteins are known as amino acids. For the body to carry out proper function, it needs 20 different amino acids. Although it is capable of producing eleven of them, the last nine, known as essential amino acids, must be obtained from the protein you consume. Additionally, you must constantly replace amino acids because the body is unable to store them.  

The amino acids and fixed nitrogen are required for the production of tissue proteins, and nitrogenous non-protein molecules like purines and pyrimidines are provided by dietary protein. At all ages, especially during growth, dietary amino acids are necessary for the synthesis of new tissue constituents. When you take more amino acids than what you need, they break down, the nitrogen is expelled and the carbon is recycled instead of being stored. The body breaks down and synthesises more amino acids than typically obtained through diet.  

For protein synthesis to take place, all 20 essential amino acids must be present. The 20 unique protein-building components are diverse and adaptable, which contributes to the astounding variety of functions. The amounts of essential amino acids in dietary proteins affect their nutritional value. Not consuming the required essential amino acids through dietary supplements leads to a protein deficiency.  

Conditions of protein deficiency

The protein deficiency mainly leads to a condition known as kwashiorkor. It is a condition of protein deficiency. Severe protein deficiency causes fluid retention in tissues that leads to oedema.  

Hypoproteinaemia is a condition characterised by abnormally low protein levels in your blood. Two major types of proteins in the blood include:

• Albumin: It helps prevent the leakage of bodily fluids from the bloodstream.
• Globulin: It contributes to the formation of blood clots and is involved in the regulation of the liver and kidneys.  

Blood tests detect the lower level of either or both types of proteins. Many factors affect the protein levels in the blood, and not all of them are serious medical issues.  

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of kwashiorkor involve:

• Oedema, which is a swelling in ankles and feet
• Bloated stomach
• Dry and brittle hay
• Severe hair loss
• Dermatitis
• Enlarged liver
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Stunted growth
• Depleted muscle mass
• Dry skin, skin rashes and skin sores
• Frequent infections
• Itchy skin

Complications of kwashiorkor

The complications of kwashiorkor include:

• Hypoglycaemia
• Hypothermia
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Immune system failure
• Growth and development delays in children
• Cirrhosis of liver
• Liver failure
• Starvation
• Atrophy of the pancreas

Preventive methods of protein deficiency

Protein deficiency and the associated conditions can be prevented by following remedies:

• Consume protein-rich foods, such as:  
• Nuts and seeds like almonds, pistachios, cashews and flax seeds
• Legumes like lentils and beans
• Eggs, seafood and fish
• Chicken, turkey
• Milk and other dairy products

The treatments are given based on the cause of the condition. If the protein levels are low during pregnancy or malnutrition, physicians recommend increasing the protein intake through diet; no medications are required. When this condition is a symptom of other conditions like kidney and liver conditions, the required medications are given along with the protein booster. But, most of the time, hypoproteinaemia is cured through food and a healthy diet.  

Conclusion

To conclude, protein deficiency occurs when a person consumes insufficient amounts of protein through diet. Depending on the cause, medical attention is necessary. Causes underlying the protein deficiency help determine the long-term prognosis. There are numerous plant- and animal-based sources of proteins that can help cure the condition.