Proteins are chains of amino acids that the body uses to build and repair body tissue, help with disease resistance and provide energy. According to Georgetown University, 45 percent of the human body is made up of protein. Protein helps maintain healthy skin, nails and hair, assists the immune system in functioning properly and helps produce important enzymes. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of low protein as a protein deficiency can lead to serious disease and developmental problems.
Semi-starvation
According to the website World's Healthiest Foods, marasmus is a state of semi-starvation. Marasmus can happen to people of all ages with limited food access but is commonly found in babies who were given diluted infant formula. Symptoms related to this type of protein deficiency include weight loss, loss of visible fat stores, muscle wasting, fatigue and weakness. Infections may also be more frequent due to little activity of the immune system.
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor, a Ghanian word, was first introduced in 1933. Kwashiorkor often occurs in children 4-years-old and younger who are fed diets that are high in carbohydrates with very little or no protein at all. Signs of kwashiorkor include fluid retention, muscle wasting and a fatty or enlarged liver. If the liver is enlarged long enough, it will eventually start to fail which can be fatal.
Effects On Vital Organs
Lack of protein can lead to growth failure, weakening of the respiratory system and weakening of the heart muscles. Should the heart muscles become weakened, it can result in arrhythmia which is an abnormal heart beat or even necrosis of the heart muscles. Necrosis is the death of tissues or cells. Weakening of the respiratory system can cause many complications such as difficulty breathing due to the constriction within the lungs.
Other Symptoms
Edema, or swelling, in the feet, ankles and legs is often a serious sign of low protein. Another common symptom of low protein is anemia. With anemia, the blood will be unable to deliver the necessary oxygen to the cells. Should the blood not be able to deliver the necessary oxygen, results can be fatal. If the brain is deprived of oxygen for a period of time, a person may pass out or even die.
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