Protein Deficiency – Symptoms and Treatment
Proteins are the basic building blocks of our body. They are made of amino acids. Among the twenty amino acids needed for building the protein molecules, nine are known as essential amino acids. These amino acids could not be synthesized in the body. Through diet, we get these essential amino acids. Poor nutrition or a low protein diet increases the risk of protein deficiency. Protein deficiency is a serious health problem that should be treated speedily to prevent health complications.
Symptoms of protein deficiency
Edema
Edema or water retention is one of the common symptoms of protein deficiency. If the protein level in your blood falls to abnormal low levels, the colloidal osmotic pressure falls. Colloidal osmotic pressure, also known as oncotic pressure, is a type of osmotic pressure by which the water circulating in the body is absorbed by the proteins present in the blood plasma. If you are suffering from protein deficiency, water will move out of the blood vessel and accumulate in the surrounding tissues, causing water retention.
Fatigue
Extreme fatigue is a sign of protein deficiency. If you feel exhausted or dizzy throughout the day or your sleep too much, it is possible that you are suffering from protein deficiency.
Poor hair and nail growth
People suffering from protein deficiency might have brittle nails. Poor hair growth, excess split ends and excess hair fall could be signs of protein deficiency.
Irregular bowel movement
Irregular bowel movement and frequent constipation might develop due to protein deficiency.
Low heart beat
If the protein level in your body is extremely low, your heartbeat would fall below 60 beats per minute. If protein deficiency remains for a prolonged period, your blood pressure level would fall below normal.
Flabby muscles
Low protein level will impair muscle development. Excess flabby muscles might indicate insufficient protein in your body.
Poor brain function
Protein deficiency adversely affects your brain function. Cognitive decline, depression, irritation and anxiety could be signs of protein deficiency.
Protein deficiency treatment
By increasing protein consumption, protein deficiency could be treated. Meat, fish, egg, milk and dairy products are rich sources of proteins. Vegans should include legumes, beans, soy and soy products, seeds, nuts, whole grains and seaweed in their diet. Protein supplements could help to meet your protein requirement.
