Protein is essential for living tissue. It accounts for 20 percent of body weight, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website, and is involved in a variety of functions. The recommended daily protein intake for the average adult is 46 to 56g. Protein is made up of amino acids and is used to generate energy. Protein also plays a role in the production and maintenance of muscles, connective tissues, hair, skin, nails, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, proper fluid balance and proper acid-base balance. Low protein counts in the blood can occur from malnutrition or from certain diseases.
Edema
Low levels of serum albumin, a protein, can cause a condition known as edema. This occurs when capillaries in the body leak fluid, according to the MayoClinic.com. The fluid can build up in the legs and feet, causing swelling and pitting, which occurs when pressing on the affected area creates an indentation. Protein helps to hold sodium and water inside blood vessels in order to keep the fluid from leaking into tissues, according to the Aetna InteliHealth website. The leaking of fluid results in the kidneys retaining more sodium and water, to compensate for the loss. More fluid circulates through the body, causing more leaks, resulting in more swelling.
Muscle Loss
According to the article "Muscle Wasting and Protein Metabolism" distributed by the Federation of Animal Science Societies, protein is not stored in the body but is found in large quantities in muscle mass, making it a good indicator of adequate protein intake. Thus, low protein levels lead to muscle waste. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also states that diets low in protein, typically administered for individuals in chronic kidney failure, lead to muscle loss. Muscle waste is defined as the unintentional loss of 5 to 10 percent body weight caused by muscle protein degradation and reduced protein synthesis. When the body does not have enough protein intake, it breaks down the protein in muscle in order to function.
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor usually occurs in young children in poor countries and is the result of low protein intake from malnutrition. Symptoms include muscle loss, edema, fatigue and an enlarged fatty liver, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. Kwashiorkor's outward physical sign is a protruding stomach and children who have this condition rarely reach normal height and growth. The condition can be prevented with a diet of at least 12 percent of calories coming from protein. Likewise it can be treated with an increased intake of proteins, after adequate amounts of carbohydrates, sugars and fats have been introduced.
References
- United States Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service: Exercise Prevents Muscle Loss From Low-Protein Diets
- Federation of Animal Science Societies: Muscle Wasting and Protein Metabolism; Dr. Carmen Castaneda;
- Aetna InteliHealth: Edema
- MayoClinic.com: Edema
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Protein
