A low protein intake leading to a protein deficiency is associated with some diseases. Children in poorer countries are often the victims of a protein deficiency. Some people are born with a low amount of protein. General symptoms of a protein deficiency include fatigue, apathy and decreased muscle mass. If you have any of these symptoms, consult your doctor.
Congenital Protein C or S
Congenital protein C deficiency and protein S deficiency are genetic disorders characterized by the lack of proteins C or S, which are found in the fluid portion of the blood that assists in the prevention of blood clots. People with these deficiencies are at a greater risk for abnormal blood clotting and resulting blood clots. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling and redness in the area of the clot. Only 1 in 20,000 people are born with a protein S deficiency, but 1 out of 300 people have a normal gene and a faulty gene for protein C deficiency.
Protein-Energy Malnutrition
Protein-energy malnutrition, or PEM, is a serious body-depletion disorder that is the No. 1 cause of death of children in developing countries. PEM is also known as protein-calorie malnutrition. You can get this disorder if you eat too little protein and too few calories, or if your body has difficulty absorbing important nutrients or transforming them into energy due to illnesses such as cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. PEM caused by a lack of protein in the diet is primary PEM. Secondary PEM is what happens when there is a problem with absorbing nutrients. People in the United States are more likely to develop secondary PEM as a result of diseases that interfere with energy absorption.
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is a particular type of PEM most often found in areas of the world where there is famine, a limited supply of food or low levels of education, resulting in people who do not know how to eat a proper diet. Kwashiorkor rarely affects children in the U.S., but there have been some cases, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Senior citizens in U.S. nursing homes also may be at risk due to low protein in their diets. Symptoms of Kwashiorkor include a protruding belly, apathy, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, changes in hair color or texture and failure to gain weight.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease increases your risk of developing secondary PEM because it may make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients. Chronic kidney disease is any chronic disease that impairs the function of your kidneys. However, your doctor may recommend a low or moderate amount of protein in your diet before dialysis. A moderate protein diet includes 1 g of protein per kg of your body weight daily, which works out to 1 g of protein per approximately 2.2 lbs. of body weight. Anything less than that is a low-protein diet. A physician should monitor anyone on a low-protein diet.
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