Protein deficiency, also known as kwashiorkor, represents a form of protein-energy malnutrition characterized by an array of organ system problems. Kwashiorkor in children occurs almost exclusively in developing and underdeveloped countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Central America, states a study published in the September 2009 issue of the "Malawi Medical Journal." However, according to PubMed Health, around 50 percent of elderly patients in nursing homes in the United States also have some degree of protein deficiency and malnutrition.
Edema
In the body of normal individuals, water binds glycosaminoglycan, a protein-carbohydrate compound, resulting in a gel-like material. Patients with kwashiorkor usually have renal problems, making them lose glycosaminoglycans through their urine. Furthermore, patients with protein deficiency usually develop intestinal malfunction, making them inefficient in absorbing glycosaminoglycan through their intestines. This glycosaminoglycan loss and malabsorption result in the inability of the body to arrest water in a gel-like state leading to the development of free water in generalized pitting edema, the puffiness and swelling of the entire body, according to the "Malawi Medical Journal."
Diarrhea and Gastrointestinal Malfunction
Chronic insufficiency of protein sources within the body leads to the decreased acid production of the stomach, shrinking of the stomach due to smooth muscle wasting and intestinal dysfunction, according to Merck Manuals. This results in the general gastrointestinal malfunction characterized with the profound decrease in the absorption of other essential nutrients and electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Furthermore, as mentioned in the "Malawi Medical Journal," the intestinal villi, the part of the intestines responsible for the absorption of nutrients, become atrophied or reduced in size, leading to frequent diarrhea that is usually fatal.
Moderate Anemia
Majority of patients with protein deficiency usually develop moderate anemia with a hemoglobin value of 80 to 100 g/L, notes the "Malawi Medical Journal." Hemoglobin refers to a protein bounded to iron within the red blood cells. With protein deficiency, hemoglobin levels decrease causing the plasma iron to remain in its free state within the body.
Increased Liver Fat Content
A lipid-protein complex transports and circulates fats within the body. However, in protein deficiency, decreased levels of this lipid-protein complex may be seen. As a result, increased fat accumulation occurs within the liver, reflecting the inability of the body to transport and process fats, according to the "Malawi Medical Journal."
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