Signs of Low Protein Intake

Protein is a macronutrient that provides the body with energy. It is an essential component of every cell, tissue and organ. Protein in food is broken down into amino acids, or building blocks used to repair and replenish the body. Protein helps build muscles, produce new cells, regulate hormones and enzymes, heal wounds and promote immune function. According to the Merck Manual, a low dietary protein is most common in developing countries due to inadequate access to protein-rich foods. However, it can also affect people in developing countries who make poor dietary selections. A lack of sufficient protein in your diet can result in a number of negative side effects.

Muscle Wasting

A lack of protein in the diet can cause muscle soreness, weakness and cramping. Protein is necessary for muscle growth and strength. If there is a lack of protein in your diet, you will experience reduced muscle strength, a loss of muscle function and decreased lean body mass. You'll also lose body fat as protein provides structure for adipose tissues. The wasting away of muscle and fat tissue is known as cachexia.

Edema

Edema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the tissues and cavities of the body. Edema most often affects the abdomen, hands, ankles and feet. Protein helps regulate and maintain a proper fluid and electrolyte balance within the body. Not getting enough dietary protein can affect your body's fluid and electrolyte balance, causing swelling and edema.

Skin and Nail Alterations

A lack of protein in the diet can cause changes in your skin and nails. Protein is responsible for the process of cell regeneration; producing new cells and replacing dead ones. Therefore, if you do not consume adequate amounts of protein, your skin may become very light and burn easily when exposed to sunlight. You may experience cracking, flaking, dryness and rashes of the skin. Delayed wound healing and ulcers are signs of low protein intake. Protein is an important component of the formation of nails. A protein deficiency can cause white bands or brownish spots on the nails.

Hair Loss

Dry, sparse hair that falls out easily or changes color or texture is a sign of low protein intake. Hair is made of approximately 90 percent protein. Therefore, thinning hair or hair loss is primarily due to a protein deficiency.

Infection

Protein is vital for the immune system to protect the body and defend against foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. When your body does not have the right amount of protein, the number of new white blood cells decreases. As a result, the immune system is weakened and the risk of infection increases.

Gastrointestinal Distress

Protein provides the body with energy. Low protein stores will cause you to feel lethargic, fatigued and weak. You may also experience headaches, nausea, diarrhea, soreness of the stomach and even fainting. Protein helps transport nutrients within the body, delivering and releasing them where they are needed. When protein is not able to perform this function, the body's homeostasis will be thrown off. This may result in a loss of appetite, irritability, insomnia, apathy, and the inability to stay warm.

References

• Medline Plus; Kwashiorkor; Neil K. Hameshiro, M.D., M.H.A.; January 29, 2009
• Make Perfect Health: Importance of Protein and Signs of Its Deficiency in Human Body; October 25, 2010.
• Secrets of A Low Carb Diet; Protein Deficiency Symptoms; Mary Albrooks; July 13, 2010.
• Merck Manual; Undernutrition; David R. Thompson, M.D.; August 2007.
• Nutrition ATC; Protein Plays A Strong Role in the Body; Alan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S. and Joanie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S; February 10, 2007.