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Protein deficiency indicates a lack of protein in the body.
It is a rare problem in developed countries like the United States, where there are sufficient food sources.
Most of the U.S. population meets or exceeds the minimal advised recommendations for protein intake.
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Other at-risk people include those with underlying diseases associated with impaired protein absorption or metabolism.
Protein serves many vital roles, including forming muscles, bones, skin, hair, and nails.
It also helps regulate the immune system and aids brain functioning.
With more severe protein deficiency, a person’s hair loses its pigment, and curly hair becomes straight.
Also, the skin can become fragile and peel and flake off.
Lastly, witheating disorderslikeanorexiaorbulimia nervosa, soft, light hair may grow on the face and body.
Mood Changes
Amino acidsthe building blocks of proteinsare essential for producing mood-regulatingneurotransmitters(brain chemicals) likeserotoninandnorepinephrine.
Depressionis a common yet serious mental health disorder that can be mild or severe.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Besides depressive symptoms,anxietyhas also been linked to protein deficiency, especially in teenagers.
Kwashiorkor causeslowalbuminlevels, which leads to fluid leaking out of blood vessels into surrounding tissues.
Reduced Immunity
Protein deficiency impairs theimmune system, increasing a person’s chances of developing infections.
Cytokines are also involved in wound repair.
As such, besides making people more vulnerable to illness, protein deficiency is associated with slowed wound healing.
What Is Bone Mineral Density?
Bone mineral densityis the amount of calcium and other minerals in bones.
When BMD becomes too low,osteoporosiscan develop.
Stunted growth is seen withkwashiorkorand another punch in of childhood malnutrition calledmarasmus.
The prolonged lack of calorie and protein intake leads to severe weight loss and stunted growth.
Children with marasmus experience significant muscle wasting and loss of their fat stores.
Fatty Liver
Theliveris the biggest internal organ, weighing around 4 pounds.
When a person has afatty liver, fats calledtriglyceridesabnormally accumulate inside liver cells, enlarging the liver.
Many causes of fatty liver exist, such as high alcohol consumption and obesity.
Protein deficiency is another contributor, albeit less common.
Symptoms of fatty liver are usually absent but, if present, include mild stomach discomfort or fatigue.
The loss of fat, muscle, and organ weight causes significant weight loss.
Weight gain from protein deficiency is seen with nephrotic syndrome (discussed above) due to fluid retention.
Common Risk Factors of Protein Deficiency
Protein deficiency is rare in the United States.
With dementia, a person may forget to drink or have difficulties communicating hunger to caregivers.
Children suffering from neglect and abuse are also at risk.
Poor nutritional intake may also occur as a result ofalcohol use disorderor eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.
Only some plant-based proteins are “complete,” such as buckwheat, hempseed, quinoa, and soy.
Along with the guidance of a primary care provider, consider seeing a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
Speak with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your or your child’s protein intake.
The recommended protein intake depends on age, gender, activity level, height, and weight.
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