Health
Doctors Share: 7 Telltale Signs You Might Not Be Getting Enough Protein
The human body requires six essential nutrients to function optimally: carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, and protein. Without these six crucial elements, your body could be at risk of deficiency, leading to a plethora of health problems. Of these nutrients, protein plays a vital role not just in muscle building and maintenance, but also in many basic body functions. Therefore, not getting enough of it could see you grappling with symptoms of protein deficiency.
Protein deficiency, or hypoproteinemia, occurs when one does not consume enough protein or when the body fails to retain protein due to underlying illnesses. Effects can range from hampered cell repair to compromised antibody production in the immune system. Recognizing the symptoms of protein deficiency can expedite treatment and ensure your body continues to function as it should.
“Protein is critical for every cell in the body. It is a building block for muscle, hair, skin, and nails and helps build and repair tissue in the body,” states Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, a fitness and nutrition advisor at Fortune Recommends Health.
Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for the National Council on Aging (NCOA), likewise highlights the importance of protein in our bodies. He stresses the role of proteins in “producing enzymes and hormones, defending against illnesses, and transporting essential molecules around the body.”
A protein deficiency may arise due to inadequate intake or certain health conditions. Such a deficiency is unusual in high-income countries where balanced diets are more accessible. However, a lesser form of protein deficiency called protein insufficiency is more common, particularly in the U.S., where individuals meet the minimum requirements for protein intake but fall short of optimal levels.
The Mayo Clinic advises that proteins should make up 10 to 35 percent of your total caloric intake. Some people, however, are more prone to protein deficiency. These include individuals affected by poverty-related malnutrition, older adults, those with eating disorders, and those with diseases like liver and kidney damage or digestive diseases like Crohn’s or celiac disease. Even vegans and vegetarians, despite having plant-based protein sources, may be prone to protein deficiency.
To ascertain if one is protein-deficient, a doctor’s diagnosis, incorporating dietary history review and blood testing for protein levels, is necessary. The doctor would also consider lifestyle factors and impediments to healthy nutrition.
Now, what happens if you don’t consume enough protein?
You might begin to experience a series of worsening symptoms over time. Fatigue or weakness, slow-healing wounds, fluid retention or edema, hair loss or thinning, dry or flaky skin, brittle nails, mood changes, muscular atrophy, muscle wasting, and immunodeficiency could all point to a protein deficiency.
“Severe deficiencies can lead to conditions like Kwashiorkor, characterized by swelling, liver enlargement, and skin problems in children, and Marasmus, which involves severe weight loss and muscle wasting due to poor protein and calorie intake,” warns Dr. Dasgupta.
There may be various reasons for protein deficiency besides inadequate intake. Underlying conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract may also lead to a protein deficiency.
“The liver plays a role in processing proteins in the body,” Dr. Dasgupta points out. “If the liver is not functioning well, the body may not be able to manufacture enough protein to carry out its vital functions. This can happen in people with certain liver disorders such as cirrhosis.”
Similarly, the kidneys help maintain protein levels in the blood. In case of kidney damage, protein may leak into the urine, leading to protein deficiency.
Finally, diseases like Crohn’s and Celiac can cause inflammation in the small intestine, impairing absorption of essential nutrients and leading to hypoproteinemia.
The best course of treatment for a protein deficiency will depend largely on its cause. However, doctors typically recommend a plan to increase protein intake through diet or supplements. Prevention of hypoproteinemia includes following a nutrient-rich diet and managing health conditions that affect nutrient absorption. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice on your protein intake and overall health.
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