Protein Deficiency Symptoms

Protein deficiency is a health condition responsible for high incidence of health hazards related to starvation and diseases across the world. Undoubtedly, the Third World countries are the one who bear the brunt of protein deficiency to a great extent, but the condition is not just restricted to these countries. In developed countries, people do bear the brunt of protein deficiency, mainly due to poverty. The worst part, however, is that most of the victims of protein deficiency are children under the age of five. Knowing about the various protein deficiency symptoms and causes can help us in taking on the problem to a great extent.

Protein Deficiency: An Overview

In medicine, protein deficiency is a term used to refer to a health condition characterized by insufficient amount of proteins in the body. It is caused due to restrictive diet, lack of knowledge about high protein foods, malnutrition etc. A major source of amino acids, protein plays a vital role in human growth, particularly in the development of various parts of our body, ranging from hair to muscles. Neither too much of protein, nor its deficiency is good for health. The key is right amount of protein intake, which by large depends on several factors including age, physical activity etc. If the body is not provided with the stipulated amount of protein, it starts using proteins in the muscles to meet the requirements. This can lead to serious health deterioration, ranging from hair loss to muscle atrophy, even in healthy individuals.

Protein Deficiency Symptoms

When our body is not provided with required amount of proteins, it tends to reflect on various parts of the body. Protein deficiency symptoms normally take some time to show prominently because even when your body is not fed the required amount of protein, it tends to rely on the protein content in muscles and other protein stores within the body. Simple conditions like extreme fatigue or decrease in energy levels are the initial signs of protein deficiency. If the condition is not attended promptly, it can worsen, and even result in death. Most common symptoms of protein deficiency include

• Weakness and excessive weight loss due to loss of muscles.
• Brittle nails in hands and fingers.
• Edema, a medical condition characterized by fluid retention under the skin.
• Hair problems, such as reduced pigmentation, hair loss and brittle hair.
• Skin problems, like skin ulcers, dryness, rashes and losing skin flakes.
• Sore muscles, eventually leading to weakness and cramps.
• Inability of the body to heal wounds fast.
• Lack of sleep and severe headache.
• Extreme pain in the stomach, accompanied by nausea.

The person may also experience frequent mood swings and severe depression. Over a period of time, these minor symptoms are known to further deteriorate, and lead to further complications such as gallstones, Kwashiorkor, arthritis, muscle atrophy, organ failure, etc.

As soon as any of the above mentioned protein deficiency symptoms surface, you should initiate precautionary measures to bring the situation under control. The easiest method to treat protein deficiency is to shift to a high protein diet. Include foods high in proteins, such as meat, eggs, pulses, etc. in your daily diet. If you are a vegetarian, you will have to ensure that your protein requirements are met by including plant-based protein in your diet. At times, especially if you are suffering from extreme protein deficiency you may have to resort to protein supplements or medical aid. Generally, children require 0.5 gm protein for every pound of body weight, whereas in adults the requirement is approximately 60 gm a day. Keeping a track of food you eat, can help you in knowing whether your body is getting the required amount or not.