۶ Signs and Symptoms of Protein Deficiency

Some signs and symptoms of protein deficiency include edema, hair loss, increased hunger, and more severe infections, among others.
Protein is one of the body’s main building blocks. It plays a key role in the structure and function of muscles, skin, enzymes, and hormones.
Protein deficiency is when your intake is unable to meet your body’s requirements.

While true protein deficiency is uncommon in the Western world, some people get very low amounts from their diet. This may affect almost all aspects of body function and lead to various health problems.
The most severe form of protein deficiency is known as kwashiorkor. It most often occurs in children in developing countries where malnutrition and imbalanced diets are more common.

Symptoms of protein deficiency may start to occur even when protein deficiency is marginal.
This article lists 8 symptoms of low protein intake or deficiency.

۱. Edema
Edema is a condition characterized by swollen and puffy skin. This is a classic symptom of kwashiorkor.
Researchers suggest it may be caused by low amounts of human serum albumin, which is the most abundant protein in the liquid part of blood, or blood plasma.
One of albumin’s main functions is to maintain oncotic pressure — a force that draws fluid into the blood circulation.
In this way, albumin prevents excessive amounts of fluid from accumulating in tissues or other body compartments. Because of reduced human serum albumin levels, severe protein deficiency leads to lower oncotic pressure. As a result, fluid accumulates in tissues, causing swelling.
Remember that edema is a symptom of severe protein deficiency, which is unlikely to occur in developed countries.

۲. Fatty liver
Another symptom of kwashiorkor is fatty liver, or fat accumulation in liver cells.
Protein deficiency has been associated with fatty liver disease in developing countries. This condition may cause inflammation, liver scarring, and potentially liver failure.

۳. Skin, hair, and nail problems
Protein deficiency may be associated with changes in the skin, hair, and nails, which are largely made of protein.
For instance, protein deficiency may affect hair growth and structure, which could lead to a hair loss condition known as telogen effluvium.
Kwashiorkor in children is also distinguished by flaky or splitting skin, redness, and patches of depigmented skin.
However, these symptoms are unlikely to appear unless you have a severe protein deficiency.

۴. Loss of muscle mass
Your muscles are your body’s largest reservoir of protein.
When dietary protein is in short supply, the body tends to take protein from skeletal muscles to preserve more important tissues and body functions. As a result, a lack of protein could lead to muscle wasting over time.
Even moderate protein insufficiency may cause muscle wasting, especially in older adults.

۵. Greater risk of bone fractures
Not eating enough protein may weaken your bones and increase the risk of fractures.
۶. Stunted growth in children
Insufficient protein intake may delay or prevent growth in children.
In fact, stunting is one of the most common signs of childhood malnutrition. In 2020, over 149 million children had stunted growth.

Takeaway
Protein is found everywhere in the body, including muscles, skin, hair, bones, and blood.
Protein deficiency is less common in Western societies, but it could present a wide range of symptoms. This may include edema, hair loss, and increased hunger, among others.
If you think you have protein deficiency, speak with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. They could help develop a nutrition plan that’s right for you.