What Are The Causes Of Low Protein In Children?

Protein is one of three macronutrients, and plays a vital role in promoting healthy tissue growth and development in children. Low protein can manifest itself in different ways and is usually caused by low dietary protein intake, low total caloric intake which includes protein, and disease or infection. Each of these conditions are defined by their symptoms and the balance between protein and non-protein sources of food intake. All can be treated, although severe cases can result in children never reaching their true height and body composition potential, and possibly death.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition

Protein-energy malnutrition, or protein-energy undernutrition, is a general term describing undernutrition related to a persistent deficiency in all three macronutrients, including protein, fat and carbohydrates. Protein-energy malnutrition is rare in children in developed countries, although elderly populations may experience this condition when they have diseases that cause them to limit their nutritional intake. In underdeveloped countries, a lack of adequate caloric consumption may result in a subsequent protein deficiency.

Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a condition in which children specifically lack protein in their diets. This condition is characterized by changes in skin pigment, decreased muscle mass, immune system dysfunction and fatigue. According to MedlinePlus, kwashiorkor is common in areas in which famine persists, there is limited food supply or in areas where there are low levels of education, specifically on nutritional matters. While this disease is rare in children in the U.S., it is common in underdeveloped countries, particularly when the region has been subject to a disaster that affects the food supply. When kwashiorkor exists in the U.S., it us usually a result of child abuse or neglect, according to MedlinePlus.

Marasmus

Like kwashiorkor, marasmus results from a prolonged deficit in protein intake. In developed countries, marasmus is the most prevalent form of protein-energy undernutrition, according to The Merck Manuals. Because kwashirokor is sometimes related to premature abandonment of breast-feeding, children with marasmus are typically older than those with kwashiorkor. Marasmus is characterized by a chronic wasting of bodily tissues, weight loss and depletion of fat.

Protein Recommendations

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine provides protein recommendations for children. According to the IOM, boys and girls ages 4 to 18 should consume about 10 to 30 percent of their total caloric intake from protein. An accurate way to assess protein intake based on body weight is to multiply the child's weight in pounds by 0.4 g. For example, a 100 lb. child should consume about 40 g of protein each day.