7 Risks and Symptoms of Protein Deficiency

Overview

Protein deficiency (hypoproteinemia) occurs when your intake does not meet your body’s needs. Protein deficiency affects about one billion people globally (1). Certain people in developed countries are likewise vulnerable. This includes people with an unbalanced diet as well as older and hospitalized patients (2, 3). Insufficient protein intake may cause long-term changes in body composition, such as muscle loss. Kwashiorkor is the most severe form of protein deficiency. It is more common in children in developing countries, where starvation and unbalanced nutrition are common. Protein deficiency can affect every aspect of physiological function. As a result, it is linked to a variety of symptoms. Here are 7 risks and symptoms of protein deficiency.

Risks

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of protein deficiency. Here are some groups who may be more susceptible:

1. Older adults: As people age, their ability to absorb protein may decline, making them more susceptible to deficiency (4).
2. People with certain medical conditions: Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis can impair protein absorption (5).
3. Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Protein demands increase during pregnancy and lactation, making deficiency more likely if intake is inadequate (6).
4. Individuals with liver or kidney disease: These organs play a crucial role in protein metabolism, so dysfunction can lead to deficiency (7).
5. People with restrictive diets: Those who follow very low-calorie diets or have food allergies/intolerances may be at risk if they don’t plan their diet carefully (8).
6. Children and adolescents: Rapid growth and development require adequate protein intake, making deficiency more likely if needs aren’t met (9).
7. People taking certain medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase protein needs or impair protein metabolism (10).

If you belong to any of these groups, it’s essential to be mindful of your protein intake and consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance.

Symptoms

Protein deficiency can cause a range of symptoms. Some of these symptoms may appear even when protein deficiency is mild. Here are some common ones:

1. Fatigue and weakness: Protein is essential for energy production, so a deficiency can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and lacking motivation (11).
2. Weight loss or muscle wasting: Protein helps maintain muscle mass. Without enough protein, you may lose weight, particularly muscle weight (12).
3. Skin hair and nail problems: Hair is made of protein, so a deficiency can cause hair loss, brittle hair, or slow hair growth. Protein is also necessary for healthy skin. Deficiencies can lead to skin issues like acne, dry skin, or slow wound healing (13, 14 15, 16).
4. Swelling: Protein helps regulate fluid balance. A deficiency can cause swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands (17).
5. Poor immune function: Protein is necessary for a healthy immune system. Deficiencies can increase the risk of infections (18).
6. Growth problems: Protein is essential for growth and development. Deficiencies can affect growth rates in children and adolescents (19, 20, 21).
7. Anemia: Protein is necessary for healthy red blood cells. Deficiencies can lead to anemia, causing pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness (22).

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. They can help determine if a protein deficiency is the cause and recommend appropriate solutions.

How much protein do you need every day?

The recommended daily allowance for each pound of body weight is 0.4 grams (0.8 grams per kg). Scientists estimate that, for most people, this should be enough. A person weighing 165 pounds (75 kg) should take 66 grams of protein per day. For athletes, the American College of Sports Medicine advises a daily protein consumption of 0.5 to 0.6 grams per pound of body weight (1.2–1.4 grams per kg), which should be enough for muscle maintenance and training recovery (23). However, scientists disagree on how much is sufficient. Athletes should consume 0.9 grams of protein per pound of body weight (2 grams per kg) daily (24). Just like athletes, older people appear to have higher protein requirements. While the RDA for older and young adults is currently the same, research shows that it is underestimated and should be increased to 0.5 to 0.7 grams per pound of body weight (1.2–1.5 grams per kg) for older people (25, 26).

Foods that are high in protein

High-protein foods include meats, poultry, and fish; dairy products; tofu; grains; other vegetables and fruits; eggs; legumes; nuts; and seeds. Eating a variety of protein-rich foods will increase the intake. Some healthy sources of protein are lean and low-fat poultry and foods. For vegetarians, there are choices such as lentils, peas, beans, nuts, grains, and refined soy products.

Conclusion

Most of the muscles, skin, hair, bones, and blood are proteins. Protein deficiency, therefore, has a wide range of risks and symptoms. Serious protein deficiency in children can cause swelling, skin degeneration, increased infection severity, and stunted growth. It’s essential to consume enough protein through your diet or supplements to avoid these potential conclusions. If you’re concerned about protein deficiency, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.