Proteins are essential macronutrients required by all cells of the human body. Cellular membranes contain protein. The amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, form the basis of hormones and all enzymes of the body. A deficiency in protein can have serious ramifications at all stages of life.
Immune System Response
Low intake of protein can adversely affect your immune system and its ability to respond to infections. Protein is a major component of antibodies that are produced by specialized cells in the presence of antigens or molecules that stimulate an immune system response. Without enough protein, the immune system response to disease-causing micro-organisms is compromised, resulting in a higher risk of infection. It will also negatively impact the bacteria environment of the gastrointestinal system that can cause septicemia or blood poisoning. Septicemia is the tenth leading cause of death, taking over 34,000 lives in 2007.
Neurological Effects
Lack of protein can also impair brain function. Nerve cell health will suffer from inadequate protein for cell membranes and neurotransmitter synthesis. The latter is the chemical means by which nerve impulses are transmitted. A 2011 study by State University of New Jersey identified other mechanisms by which nervous system function is degraded by protein deficiencies in experiments done with mice. Researchers found that a lack of a specialized type of protein can impair the body's ability to transmit nervous impulses. They concluded that this effect may explain the origin of certain cognitive disorders.
Body Wasting
Unlike carbs and fats, your body does not store protein for later use, making adequate daily intake imperative to good health. The body cannot survive without protein. If your diet doesn't provide enough, the body will break down its own protein mass beginning with the viscera or internal organs. The body will then turn to using skeletal muscle in cases of chronic conditions. Death will follow after 60 to 70 days of protein deprivation. The impacts prior to death will be felt in all systems of the body.
Recommended Intake
Obviously, adequate intake of protein is critical for survival. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recommend that your diet contain between 10 and 35 percent protein. For women, this amounts to about 46 g per day and 56 g for men. For the best health value, your diet should focus on high quality sources of protein such as lean meats and poultry. Beans and legumes will also provide good plant-based sources. With adequate intake, you will provide your body with the raw materials it needs to function.
References
- "Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems"; L. Sherwood; 2008
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Leading Causes of Death
- "Neuroscience"; Reelin Deficiency Causes Specific Defects in the Molecular Composition of the Synapses in the Adult Brain; A. Ventruti, et al.; June 2011
- "Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients)"; Food and Nutrition Board; 2005
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protein
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