Low Calorie Intake & Muscle Weakness

The foods and beverages you consume provide the necessary nutrients for the body to function. Deficiencies may be evident in symptoms such as muscle weakness. To ensure adequate intake, your diet should focus on nutrient-dense foods that will provide the best health value for the calories consumed. You will also need to meet a certain threshold of caloric intake in order for your body to have enough energy to function. If your muscle weakness is accompanied by other symptoms such as tingling in your arms and legs, you should consult your doctor regarding other causes for your condition.

Basal Metabolic Rate

Your body requires a certain amount of calories just to survive. This figure is your basal metabolic rate. A significant portion of your energy expenditure is devoted to keeping you prepared to respond to stimuli in your environment. The Linus Pauling Institutes estimates that 20 to 40 percent of your resting energy expenditure goes toward maintaining the proper chemical environment in the body. If your caloric intake is below your basal metabolic rate, you will have little energy to tap into for movement and activity.

Energy Production

Low caloric intake will deprive your muscles of the energy they need. Carbohydrates and fats provide the majority of your energy needs. Fats supply more calories per gram versus carbohydrates and proteins. A low-fat diet may result in a low caloric intake that can affect your body's ability to produce sufficient energy for muscular activity. It may also deprive you of adequate amounts of nutrients that play a role in energy production, such as vitamin B12, riboflavin and thiamine. A deficiency in these vitamins may result in fatigue and weakness.

Muscle Wasting

Your muscles may also become weak if your diet includes inadequate amounts of protein. Proteins provide the necessary raw materials for the body to produce red blood cells and muscle tissue. If your diet is lacking, your body may break down muscle tissue to ensure adequate resources. This can result in shrinking and wasting away of lean muscle tissue, leading to muscle weakness.

Prevention

In order to meet your body's nutritional needs, you should consume the amount of calories that are appropriate for your age, gender and activity levels. The "Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010" provide a good reference for making healthy diet choices. In addition, you should follow the recommendations for nutrient intake to ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs to support muscle activity and energy production. This way, you can avoid the onset of muscle weakness and provide the necessary nutrition for healthy muscular function.