Protein deficiency
Protein deficiency presents several challenges. Some effects are quite immediate whilst others may take a longer duration. In this post, we’ll assess the impacts inadequate protein intake.
What is protein deficiency?
Protein deficiency is the intake of proteins in restricted portions. Its causes may result from poor diet, and certain conditions including kidney damage, liver damage, and celiac disease that impede protein digestion and absorption. While, the latter is the most common reason for protein deficiency, the former can also contribute to a certain degree to protein deficiency; thus, an appropriate reason to ensure that you consume recommended amounts of proteins.
Several symptoms may occur resulting from protein deficiency. The more immediate effects include:
Weakness and fatigue -since proteins are sources of calories, inadequate protein intake may cause weakness and fatigue. Moreover, limited protein intake can lead to anaemia since your cells are unable to obtain enough oxygen, which causes you to feel fatigued.
Nausea- A lack of protein may lead to gastric dysrhythmias, which trigger nausea.
Headache-Consuming less proteins than required can cause headaches. The low sugar and anaemia from lack or limited protein intake may cause headaches.
Mood changes– Multiple neurotransmitters (important in conveying information between cells) constitute amino acids (building blocks of proteins). Therefore, protein deficiency prompts an inadequate production of these transmitters, causing changes in moods. So a lack of protein in your diet could mean your body can’t make enough of those neurotransmitters including dopamine, and that would influence your moods.
Hunger and food cravings-When you ingest very limited amounts of proteins or avoid them completely, you’ll feel hungry since proteins tend to provide satiety effects. Conversely, the lack of consumption implies a lack of satiety and even hunger. Cravings may accompany the feeling of hunger because your body lacks this essential nutrient.
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is the most severe form of protein deficiency. It affects both adults and children; however, it is more common in children with malnutrition. It manifests after a long period with inadequate intake of proteins. It is characterized by the following:
Growth retardation-Proteins are vital for the growth and repair of tissues. Their lack of intake interferes with growth. The rate of growth is slowed. For this reason, children with kwashiorkor experience stunted growth, and adults have muscle wasting.
Changes in hair and skin colour– Components such as keratin are important in the development of hair, skin, and nails. Keratin is a type of protein. When there is protein deficiency, especially the severe form of protein deficiency (kwashiorkor)- the nails, hair, and skin are negatively impacted. Red patches on the skin as well as a flaky skin indicate protein deficiency. Hair loss, fading hair colour, brittle nails, premature aging, hair thinning, and acne may also occur.
Oedema– Proteins perform an important role in maintaining fluid balance (in our former blog on an in-depth focus on proteins we discussed the functions of proteins). Albumin and globulin (proteins) are particularly significant for this function. As such, when you limit protein intake, the amounts of globulin and albumin also decrease. The excess fluids are not drawn by these proteins, leading to an accumulation of fluid in tissues , which then leads to swelling.
Other symptoms of kwashiorkor with unclear causes include:
Fatty liver
Respiratory infections
Vitamin deficiencies
How long does it take to recover from protein deficiency?
For low or moderate protein intake (a form of protein deficiency that has not reached a severe level), increasing your protein intake may resolve the deficiency. Your dietitian can recommend the precise protein amounts to include and at what rate to include them to ensure recovery. In a matter of a couple of months, the body should begin to recover.
For those with severe protein deficiency (kwashiorkor), treatment may take 2-6 weeks, whereas the recovery period varies from one person to another depending on the severity of kwashiorkor (whether a person has more complications, the severity of respiratory infections and oedema).
What happens when you omit proteins in your diet?
In the long term, completely avoiding the consumption of proteins may be detrimental and even fatal.
Overall, ensuring protein intake within the recommended amounts should ascertain the lack of excesses or deficiencies. Include a variety of proteins to ensure you consume all essential amino acids.