Proteins are a component of every tissue, cell and organ in the body. A person's daily calories should be 10 to 35 percent proteins, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Low blood-protein levels may indicate a variety of diseases and conditions. Normal protein levels range from 6.5 to 8.2 grams per deciliter, according to the AIDS Treatment Data Network. To determine if a person's blood-protein levels are low, a blood test known as a total protein test or serum total protein test can be performed.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when a person does not consume adequate nutrients. Several factors can result in malnutrition, such as a diet that is unbalanced or inadequate, certain medical conditions or problems with absorption or digestion, according to MedlinePlus. This condition may cause dizziness, fatigue and weight loss. Replacing any lost or inadequate nutrients and treating any underlying cause and any symptoms are used to treat this condition.
Liver Disease
Liver disease is a general term, describing any disease, condition or infection affecting the tissues, functions, cells or structures of the liver, according to the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago (UIMC). Those experiencing liver disease may present with jaundice, nausea or vomiting, unexplained weight changes, light-colored stools, feeling ill, enlarged blood vessels, low blood sugar, achy and painful muscles, depression, dark urine, loss of appetite, diarrhea, upper right abdominal pain, itching, fatigue, low-grade fever and loss of sex drive, according to UIMC. Treatment often depends on the exact condition; however, there are certain treatment methods used for most conditions. These include bed rest, not taking unnecessary drugs and medications, eating a healthy diet, consuming adequate fluids, not drinking alcohol and taking antinausea medications if nausea occurs.
Nephrotic Syndrome
This condition is characterized by a group of symptoms, including having more than 3.5 grams of protein in the urine every day, high cholesterol levels, swelling, low blood-protein levels and high triglyceride levels, according to MedlinePlus. In addition to the symptoms listed above, patients may experience fluid retention-related weight gain, high blood pressure, poor appetite and the urine looking foamy. Treatment involves a moderate-protein diet, vitamin D supplementation, a low-salt diet, diuretic medications, blood-thinning medications, corticosteroid medications, and medications and dietary changes to control cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and triglyceride levels.
Glomerulonephritis
This type of kidney disease can result in low blood-protein levels and the exact cause is unknown, though it is thought issues with the immune system may play a role. Symptoms may include blood in the urine, swelling, cough, feeling ill, achy joints, loss of appetite, foamy urine, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, achy muscles, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, excessive urination and bloody stools or vomit, according to MedlinePlus. The severity and type of symptoms, and cause of this condition, will determine the treatment. Dietary changes and plasmapheresis may be done, and certain medications may be beneficial, such as corticosteroids, blood pressure medications and immunosuppressants.
