Abundant in meat, eggs, dairy, nuts and legumes, protein plays an instrumental role in human health and immune function. According to the McKinley Health Center, low protein is not typically a problem in Westernized diets: Americans consume an average of 15 percent of their daily calories from this macronutrient--a number safely within the 10- to 35-percent range recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, certain restricted or low-calorie diets may provide less than the recommended level of protein, producing health complications as a result.
Muscle Loss
Because protein is an important player in muscle growth and repair, a low intake can lead to a loss of muscle mass. As reported in a study published in the May 2007 edition of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," inadequate protein intake results in decreased lean body mass, compromised muscle function and reduced muscle strength. Muscle recovery from exercises such as strength training may also take longer when dietary protein is low. In addition, loss of muscle mass can yield symptoms such as physical weakness and lowered body weight.
Hair Loss
Among both men and women, a low daily intake of protein can result in hair loss. Hair itself is primarily made up of protein molecules, and when faced with a protein shortage, the body may switch growing hair strands to a resting phase in order to conserve protein. The result, according to OnlyHairLoss.com, is a significant shedding of hair occurring two to three months after beginning a low-protein diet. This effect is particularly common with crash diets or other eating plans that severely limit protein.
Impaired Immune Function
Protein is critical for producing antibodies--the body's defense system against bacteria, viruses and other harmful invaders. A low protein intake may hinder antibody production, lowering the body's resistance to infections and increasing the likelihood of developing colds and other contagious illnesses. This has particular significance for populations at heightened risk of infection, such as infants and the elderly. With a low daily protein intake, illnesses may also be more severe or longer in duration than when normal protein levels are consumed.
Protein-Energy Malnutrition
When low protein intake is coupled with a severely calorie-restricted diet, diseases related to protein-energy malnutrition--namely kwashiorkor and marasmus--can occur. According to World's Healthiest Foods, kwashiorkor is most common in young children who consume high-carbohydrate, very low-protein diets. This condition is characterized by fluid retention, liver enlargement and muscle wasting. Similarly, marasmus--affecting individuals of any age with a chronically low intake of calories and protein--produces weight loss, weakness, fatigue, muscle wasting and an increased frequency of infections. Both conditions occur primarily in developing countries where nutritious, high-protein food is scarce.
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