Low levels of protein in your blood are referred to as protein shortage or hypoproteinemia. This deficit can happen if your diet does not contain enough protein to satisfy your body’s protein requirements; for instance, when you follow a diet that drastically limits protein intake. If your body is unable to digest and absorb the proteins in the foods you eat properly due to some medical issue, you could potentially become deficient.
Function of Protein
During digestion, protein is divided into amino acids. These amino acids aid in the growth and function of the body’s tissues. Because of its impact on your hair, nails, and overall health, this macronutrient is crucial for having healthy, strong muscles and bones. 11 non-essential amino acids and 9 essential amino acids are both present. Because our bodies are unable to produce them, essential amino acids are “essential” in the sense that they must be obtained from the diet. There is no mechanism to store extra amino acids that are obtained by consuming food, unlike carbs and lipids. That is why a constant supply of these crucial amino acids is required. Simply said, you must consume protein regularly to meet your body’s demands.
Causes of Protein Deficiency
- Eating a vegan or vegetarian diet that forbids the use of animal products for protein
- Doing a lot of physical work
- Having difficulties with the gut that are preventing protein absorption
- Excessive alcohol consumption and other medication that can interfere with absorption
The following medical problems might contribute to protein deficiency:
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Nervosa Anorexia
- Cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Disorders of the digestive system, including amyloidosis1
- Kidney failure
5 Signs and Symptoms of Protein Deficiency:
When your consumption of protein is insufficient to meet your body’s protein requirements, you develop a protein deficit. Your body may exhibit signs and symptoms of protein deficiency that shouldn’t be ignored because it could lead to or exacerbate other health issues. A good diet must include protein, and its inadequate supply can have major negative effects on your health. The warning symptoms and signs of protein deficiency are listed below.
- Mood Changes
Neurotransmitters are substances that your brain utilizes to transfer information between cells. Amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, are used to make several crucial neurotransmitters. Therefore, a deficiency in protein in your diet may prevent your body from producing enough neurotransmitters, which would alter how your brain functions. For instance, you might experience depression or excessive aggression if your dopamine and serotonin levels are low.
- Injury Healing Too Slow
Cuts and scrapes commonly take a longer time to heal for those who are poor in protein. Sprains and other accidents resulting from activity happen to heal in the same way. Prolonged healing can happen if your body produces insufficient collagen. Besides your skin, it’s also essential for connective tissues. You also need proteins for blood clotting.
- Ailing or Remaining Ill
Your blood’s amino acids aid in the production of antibodies by your immune system, which in turn activate white blood cells to combat pathogens, poisons, and viruses. To digest and absorb other nutrients that keep you healthy, you need protein. Additionally, protein may alter the proportions of good bacteria in your stomach that prevent disease.
- Hunger
This might seem like a no-brainer. You are fed with protein. Along with carbohydrates and fats, it is one of the three sources of calories. Even though you consume regular meals, you might need additional protein if you find yourself craving food all the time. Consuming foods high in protein makes you feel satiated for longer throughout the day.
- Skin, Hair, and Nail Issues
The parts of the body, such as nails, skin, and hair, are made up of keratin, collagen, and elastin proteins. You may experience dry, flaky skin, deep ridges on your fingernails, and brittle or thinning hair when your body is unable to produce them. Of course, your diet isn’t the only factor to take into account, but it is one.
Disease Caused by Deficiency of Protein
Here is a list of diseases caused due to deficiency of protein:
- Abdominal Bloating
- Liver problem
- Skin that tears easily
- Slower growth
- Porous, fragile, and thin bones
The precise protein requirements of each individual vary. How much protein you need depends on your body weight, gender, age, level of activity, and amount of exercise, and your requirements probably change a little bit day to day as well. The body uses proteins every day to function. They’re continually being broken down and need to be supplied by items in your diet since they’re essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of almost every component of our bodies, including our skin, hair, digestive enzymes, and immune system’s antibodies. If you don’t get enough protein each day, your general health may start to deteriorate.
All body tissue and cells require protein, which is why a lack of it can harm the body’s ability to operate. Although protein deficiencies brought on by diet are uncommon, they do exist for some people to a small extent. This risk may also rise as a result of certain medical disorders. Fortunately, including more protein in your diet is easy and can be done by including a range of foods.
The best method to ensure that you consume enough amino acids is to prioritize foods like meat, dairy, eggs, fish, yogurt, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains in your diet, whether you follow a plant-based diet or incorporate animal-based products in your meals. So go ahead and make sure you get enough protein for the day to prevent any shortfall and related health issues. To prevent issues in the future, ensure sufficient protein intake, and lead a healthy life, you should also see a doctor if you have these symptoms.
