Protein is made of amino acids that function like building blocks, and different foods contain different amino acids. The body needs protein for many functions, and fortunately, protein deficiencies are rare in people eating a varied diet that contains adequate calories. Not enough protein in the diet has numerous negative effects.
Hair and Skin Effects
Hair and skin changes may occur when a person does not eat enough protein, as noted by certified clinical nutritionist Gay Riley on NetNutritionist.com. Hair may become fine and brittle or abnormally silky, which are signs of fragility. It also may lose its color. Not enough protein can lead to hair that is easily plucked out. Alopecia, or hair loss, can result, either in patches or large areas. In addition, delayed wound healing is possible with protein deficiency. Skin may undergo changes in pigmentation, and the individual may develop dermatitis or pressure ulcers.
Effects on Muscles and Growth
Inadequate protein in the diet can lead to muscle weakness and wasting, and muscle wasting results in a loss of muscle mass. In children, insufficient protein causes a failure to gain weight and to grow. Severe and prolonged protein deficiency leads to the wasting disease kwashiorkor.
Kwashiorkor typically begins when babies are weaned using foods that have sufficient calories but inadequate protein. Initial signs of this disease include diarrhea, lethargy, fatigue, apathy and irritability. Kwashiorkor causes fluid retention, resulting in a puffy, swollen appearance. Severe cases have the signature characteristic of a protruding abdomen while the rest of the body appears very malnourished. This disease is most common in very poor countries. In developed countries like the United States, kwashiorkor is typically an indication of child abuse or severe neglect.
Impaired Immunity
Protein is essential for the immune system, and prolonged low protein intake can manifest as impaired immunity. Antibodies that defend against disease are made of proteins. Impaired immunity leads to increased and more severe infections, notes MedlinePlus.
Blood and Hormonal Disorders
Because protein is vital for many physical processes, not enough protein in the diet can cause numerous irregularities. Inadequate protein intake may cause problems with the blood, for instance, because the protein hemoglobin carries oxygen in the bloodstream, and proteins are involved in blood clotting. A lack of protein also can cause hormonal disorders. Some hormones that regulate body systems are composed of amino acids, such as the hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism, nutrient absorption and blood sugar levels.
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