What causes Protein Deficiency? What are the symptoms of protein deficiency? There are various nutrients that our body needs to maintain normal functioning. They are divided into two groups: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, while micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. Protein is perhaps the most important of all macronutrients because each part of our body is made up of proteins or continues to function with this nutrient. In this article, we will explain protein deficiency causes, symptoms, and treatment below.
Protein Deficiency Causes
Protein deficiency occurs when you do not take enough protein that your body needs. Approximately, one billion people worldwide do not consume enough protein. This is especially the case in South Asia and Central Africa. The most significant form of protein deficiency is the disease known as kwashiorkor (malnutrition). Protein deficiency is a condition that can affect almost the entire body and manifests itself with many different symptoms. In the long term, low protein consumption may lead to deterioration of body form and the onset of muscle loss.
Protein Deficiency Symptoms
Protein deficiency can show symptoms in various parts of the body. Excessive weakness, fatigue, and a decrease in energy levels are the first signs of protein deficiency. If protein deficiency is left untreated, one’s health may deteriorate and even result in death. That’s why you should know your body and know the common symptoms of protein deficiency. What are the symptoms of protein deficiency?
- Fatigue (experienced even in activities such as walking, climbing stairs)
- Loss of weight
- Brittle Nails
- Edema
- Hair loss
- Skin problems such as skin ulcers, dryness, and redness
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Insomnia
- Severe headache
- Mood Swings and depression
- Gallstones, arthritis, muscle wasting, and organ failure in advanced stages
Protein deficiency often manifests itself in hair, skin, and nails. These tissues are susceptible to protein deficiency because they contain large amounts of protein. Children with kwashiorkor have red and stained skin. Protein deficiency can cause thinning of hair, discoloration of hair, loss of hair, and deterioration of nails structure. However, these conditions are unlikely to occur unless you have severe protein deficiency.
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Protein Deficiency Treatment
If you experience these symptoms, we strongly recommend that you consult a doctor, because a protein deficiency can cause serious conditions in the advanced stages. The treatment of protein deficiency is easy. After the diagnosis of protein deficiency, you can regain your health again. The diagnosis of protein deficiency can be performed by a simple blood test. The easiest way to prevent protein deficiency is to add high-protein foods such as meat, eggs, and legumes to your daily diet. If you are a vegetarian, you should use plant-based proteins to meet your body’s protein needs. However, remember that if you experience severe protein deficiency symptoms, you should consult a specialist. Severe symptoms can be a precursor to a severe protein deficiency, which may require protein supplements or medical treatment.
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