Protein deficiency is the No. 1 cause of malnutrition in third-world countries, according to the World Hunger Education Service. Protein-energy malnutrition or PEM affects about 925 million people in the world, although these numbers are estimated, rather than firm figures. Malnutrition due to lack of protein is most common in children and the elderly.
Signs and Symptoms of Malnourishment
The earliest signs of malnutrition include pale skin that bruises easily, achy joints and increased sensitivity to light. As the problem gets worse, more serious symptoms might appear, which can include softening of the bones, falling hair and night blindness. Bleeding gums and decaying teeth are also common signs of malnutrition. Acute malnutrition can cause organs to malfunction, constant fatigue and a decrease in learning abilities.
Minimum Requirements
Protein is essential for a number of functions in the human body. Lack of protein can cause a number of health problems, including muscle waste, anemia, slow growth in children and fluid buildup in the body. The average adult needs 0.8 g of protein per 1 kg of weight. This means a 135-pound woman will need 49 g of protein daily.
Types of Protein Malnourishment
There are two forms of protein malnourishment: marasmus and kwashiorkor. Marasmus malnutrition is the most common type of malnourishment in children and causes muscle loss and an emaciated look. Kwashiorkor malnutrition causes edema or fluid retention, and leads to a distended belly, low immune system and chronic diarrhea. In later stages, it can cause shock.
Advanced Malnutrition
If malnutrition is not addressed -- especially in the case of children, who might be malnourished since birth -- signs and symptoms will worsen. Acute malnutrition can cause decreased cardiac output, low body temperature and heartbeat, liver or kidney failure, impaired wound healing, and the appearance of ulcers on the skin. A blood test would likely reveal anemia.
References
- Merck Manuals: Protein-Energy Undernutrition
- World Hunger Education Service: 2011 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics
- “Journal of the American College of Nutrition”; Beyond the Zone: Protein Needs of Active Individuals; Lemon PW; October 2005
- Kids Health; Symptoms and Effects of Malnutrition; Mary L. Gavin, M.D.; November 2009
- A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia; Kwashiorkor; Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA; January 2010
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