Protein is one of the body’s main building blocks, playing a vital role in the structure and function of muscles, skin, enzymes, and hormones. Protein deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough protein to meet its needs. Although true protein deficiency is uncommon in the Western world, some people have very low levels of protein in their diets, สนใจสมัคร? คลิกที่นี่เพื่อเริ่มต้น which can affect nearly every function of the body and lead to a variety of health problems.
The most severe form of protein deficiency is called kwashiorkor, which is common in children in developing countries where malnutrition and unbalanced diets are common. Symptoms of protein deficiency can begin to appear even when the deficiency is still mild. Here are 8 symptoms of low protein intake or protein deficiency.
1. Edema
Edema, a condition characterized by swelling and blistering of the skin, is a classic and reliable symptom of Kwashiorkor disease. Researchers suggest that it may be due to low levels of human serum albumin, the most abundant protein in the liquid portion of blood, or plasma.
One of the primary functions of albumin is to maintain colloid osmotic pressure, which is the force that draws fluid into the circulatory system. By this mechanism, albumin prevents excessive fluid from accumulating in tissues and body parts. Due to the decrease in human serum albumin levels, severe protein deficiency leads to a decrease in colloid osmotic pressure. As a result, fluid accumulates in tissues, causing edema.
2. Fatty liver disease
Another symptom of Kwashiorkor is fatty liver, which is the accumulation of fat in liver cells. Protein deficiency has been linked to fatty liver disease in developing countries. This condition can cause inflammation, scarring of the liver, and may lead to liver failure.
It is not clear why fatty liver disease occurs with protein deficiency, but research suggests that it may be due to changes in the gut microbiota, mitochondria, and peroxisomes, which may lead to the synthesis of proteins that transport fat, known as defective lipoproteins.
3. Skin, hair and nail problems
Protein deficiency can be associated with changes in the skin, hair, and nails, which are largely made up of protein. For example, protein deficiency can affect the growth and structure of hair, which can lead to a hair loss condition called telogen effluvium.
Kwashiorkor in children is also characterized by flaky or cracked skin, redness, and pale patches of skin. However, these symptoms are unlikely to be noticeable unless you have severe protein deficiency.
4. Loss of muscle mass
Muscles are your body’s largest protein storage area. When your body doesn’t get enough protein from food, it tends to pull protein from skeletal muscle to maintain its composition and other important body functions. As a result, protein deficiency can lead to long-term muscle wasting.
Even moderate protein deficiency can lead to muscle wasting, especially in older adults. In fact, research suggests that adults 65 and older should consume at least 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight, which is more than the recommended daily intake of 0.36 grams.
Increasing protein intake may help prevent sarcopenia, a slow loss of muscle mass associated with aging.
5. Increased risk of bone fractures
Not consuming enough protein can weaken your bones and increase your risk of fractures. A 2021 study found that participants who consumed higher amounts of protein had 6% higher bone density in their hips and spine than those who consumed less protein.
After five years, researchers found that those who consumed more protein were less likely to have a fracture.
Researchers from the National Osteoporosis Foundation note that while protein may have some benefits for bone health, more research is needed to fully understand the link.
6. Childhood stunting
Inadequate protein intake can slow or inhibit growth in children. In fact, stunting is one of the most common signs of childhood malnutrition. In 2020, more than 149 million children were stunted. Children who do not get enough protein on a regular basis may be four times more likely to develop stunting.
7. Increased severity of infection
Protein deficiency can negatively affect your immune system. For example, consuming enough protein is important for the production of antibodies, which are produced by white blood cells to help fight infections. A 2013 study in vigorous exercise male athletes found that participants who consumed a high-protein diet had fewer upper respiratory tract infections than athletes who consumed a low-protein diet.
It is important to note, however, that more research is needed to fully understand the link between protein deficiency and infection.
8. Increased appetite and calorie consumption
Protein plays a key role in controlling your appetite and overall calorie intake. If you don’t consume enough protein, your body will try to restore your protein levels by increasing your appetite and encouraging you to reach for something to eat.
This can lead to consuming foods that are high in carbohydrates and fat to compensate for the protein deficiency, known as the protein elevation hypothesis. However, foods that are high in carbohydrates and fat are not as filling as foods that are high in protein. Over time, this can lead to consuming too many calories, leading to unintended weight gain and obesity. If you feel hungry, try adding more protein-rich foods to your diet.