Protein is one of the three essential macronutrients that our bodies need to function properly. It is composed of amino acids and plays a vital role in building and repairing tissues, creating enzymes, producing hormones, and supporting immune function.

Protein deficiency happens when your body is not getting enough protein to support these functions. It is more common in developing countries, where there is a lack of access to high protein foods, but it can also occur among specific populations such as older adults or people with eating disorders.

The importance of identifying protein deficiency symptoms

Accurately identifying protein deficiency symptoms is critical to preventing serious health problems.

Since protein is involved in many essential functions in the body, a lack of it can lead to muscle weakness, cognitive impairments, anemia, and poor wound healing, among other issues. Unchecked protein deficiency can also cause stunting, fragile bones, weakened immune systems, and even death. Early identification of protein deficiency symptoms can help you get the proper treatment and avoid these serious health consequences.

10 common protein deficiency symptoms

1. Muscle weakness

Protein plays a crucial role in building and maintaining muscle mass. When there is a lack of protein, the body will begin to break down muscle to obtain the necessary amino acids, leading to muscle weakness.

This can lead to difficulty performing everyday activities or even cause severe falls.

2. Edema

Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the tissue spaces. A lack of protein can cause a drop in blood protein levels, leading to a drop in oncotic pressure.

This drop-in pressure can cause fluid to move into the surrounding tissue, leading to edema in the legs, hands, or feet. This symptom is more prevalent in populations with severe protein deficiency.

3. Fatty liver disease

Protein helps in the transport of fats from the liver to other cells in the body. Without enough protein in the body, fats accumulate in the liver, leading to fatty liver disease, a condition where too much fat builds up in the liver.

4. Brittle hair and nails

Protein is a component of hair and nails, and a lack of it can lead to thinning, brittle hair, and nails. This is a result of the body diverting protein to essential functions, such as building and repairing tissues and hormon production.

5. Loss of appetite

A decreased appetite could result from protein deficiency. Without enough protein in the diet, the body does not feel satiated after a meal, leading to hunger and cravings.

A lack of food intake will exacerbate the deficiency, leading to the worsening of other symptoms.

6. Delayed wound healing

Protein is essential for wound healing. Wounds require a lot of protein to repair tissue and grow new cells. A lack of protein can slow down the wound healing process and lead to more severe wounds and infections.

7. Cognitive issues

Protein deficiency can lead to cognitive impairment and fatigue. This is because the brain needs amino acids found in protein to function. A lack of these amino acids will lead to memory loss, poor concentration, and difficulty learning.

8. Anemia

Protein is required to produce red blood cells, which help carry oxygen throughout the body. Lack of protein can cause a decrease in red blood cell count, leading to anemia.

Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and pale skin.

9. Skin problems

Protein plays a vital role in skin health and a deficiency can lead to dermatitis, dry skin, and poor wound healing. This is because collagen, which gives skin its elasticity, is made up of amino acids found in protein.

10. Hormonal imbalances

Protein plays a crucial role in producing hormones in the body, such as insulin. A lack of protein can lead to hormonal imbalances, exacerbating other symptoms such as fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and skin problems.

Conclusion

Protein deficiency can have severe health consequences. Early identification of protein deficiency symptoms can help individuals get the proper treatment and prevent adverse effects such as anemia, edema, and cognitive issues.

If you are experiencing any of the protein deficiency symptoms listed above, speak with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the best course of action. Nutrient-dense protein sources, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, beans and legumes, can help you meet your protein requirements and prevent protein deficiency.