Why Does Protein Deficiency Occur, and What Are Its Symptoms?

Protein deficiency, also known as hypoalbuminemia, is a common condition that can arise due to health problems such as absorption disorders, inadequate nutrition due to economic reasons, and incorrect diet practices. Understanding whether you have a protein deficiency, the causes of protein deficiency, and how the body reacts in the event of protein deficiency is crucial for maintaining overall health.
What Is Protein?
Protein is a fundamental macronutrient found in almost every food and is present in the body's muscles, bones, skin, hair, organs, and all other tissues.
Proteins play a crucial role in vital bodily functions, contributing to the structure of enzymes and hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Proteins are made up of 20 essential building blocks called amino acids. While some amino acids can be produced by the body, others must be obtained through diet. There are 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce and must be obtained from external sources.
How Much Protein Do I Need?
The protein requirements vary, and athletes generally need more protein than sedentary individuals (0.8-1 g/kg/day). Current data suggest a protein intake of 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day for individuals engaged in general fitness programs or amateur sports activities. Some studies propose even higher protein intake, ranging from 1.6-2.7 g/kg/day.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends a protein intake of 2.0 g/kg/day for individuals dealing with injuries and conditions that require recovery, stating that it is effective in preventing loss of lean mass. Adequate intake of the essential amino acid leucine is crucial for injury recovery and intramuscular protein synthesis.
The protein needs of an athlete should be individually determined based on factors such as exercise duration, intensity, individual requirements, and the athlete's goals.
Causes of Protein Deficiency
Protein deficiency refers to a condition where the body lacks some or all essential amino acids or insufficient levels of body proteins. The protein cycle describes the balance between protein breakdown and synthesis. An imbalance favoring protein synthesis leads to the anabolic window, contributing to the formation of lean tissues. Conversely, excessive protein breakdown results in the catabolic window, leading to the breakdown of lean tissues. The relationship between amino acid levels in the bloodstream and catabolism is direct, making the dietary content crucial.
The main cause of protein deficiency is insufficient protein intake when planning the diet. In some pathological conditions, protein deficiency may also occur.
To treat protein deficiency, it is essential to identify the underlying cause accurately. Once the cause is determined, dietary adjustments, medications, or other treatment methods can be applied. The cornerstone of dietary treatment for protein deficiency is a balanced energy-protein diet containing essential micronutrients.
Adequate protein intake is crucial not only for maintaining general health and developing muscle mass but also for preserving muscle mass during fat loss. If you want to lose fat while preserving muscle mass, it's important to ensure sufficient protein intake alongside a calorie deficit. Failure to consume enough protein during a calorie deficit can lead to both fat and muscle loss. If you aim to lose fat while preserving muscle mass, don't forget to maintain a calorie deficit and consume adequate protein.
Note: Pregnant women need to ensure sufficient protein intake throughout the 9-month period as the fetus has a high protein requirement. Inadequate protein intake can lead to complications such as low birth weight.
Symptoms of Protein Deficiency
Protein deficiency can directly impact almost all body functions, and its symptoms can vary, with multiple signs present:

1. Edema: The most common symptom of protein deficiency is edema, the accumulation of fluid in the body. The decrease in albumin levels is the primary cause of edema in protein deficiency.

Albumin's main function is to maintain oncotic pressure, which pulls fluid into the bloodstream. A reduction in serum albumin levels lowers oncotic pressure, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues and swelling.

1. Skin, Hair, and Nail Problems: Adequate intake of keratin, a structural protein made up of various amino acids, is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails.

If you experience thinning hair, fading hair color, hair loss, and frequent nail breakage, it may indicate insufficient protein intake.

1. Fatty Liver: Although the exact cause is not fully understood, fatty liver is one of the signs of protein deficiency. Studies suggest that impaired synthesis of lipoproteins, which carry fats, may contribute to fatty liver in cases of protein deficiency.
2. Muscle Mass Loss: In situations where dietary protein is inadequate, the body tends to obtain the necessary protein from skeletal muscles to prioritize vital tissues and maintain essential functions. Progressive protein deficiency can lead to muscle loss.
3. Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling tired and weak at the end of a demanding day or after exercise is normal. However, constant fatigue and weakness at any time could indicate anemia.

Anemia is often caused by a low red blood cell count, resulting from insufficient oxygen supply to body tissues due to deficiencies in iron, folate, or B12. Since these nutrients are found in protein sources such as meat and eggs, anemia may be a sign of protein deficiency.

1. Increased Susceptibility to Illness: Protein plays a complementary role in immune system activities. Experiencing more frequent illnesses, prolonged illnesses, or slow wound healing may indicate low protein intake.
2. Increased Appetite: When protein intake is inadequate, the body may increase appetite to balance protein needs. Additionally, proteins have a better satiating effect compared to carbohydrates. Insufficient protein intake can lead to increased carbohydrate consumption, contributing to obesity.

Diseases Associated with Protein Deficiency
Kwashiorkor
Kwashiorkor is a malnutrition-related disease characterized by severe protein deficiency. It is also known as "edematous malnutrition" due to its association with edema (fluid retention).
The primary cause of kwashiorkor is inadequate nutrition resulting from a diet lacking in sufficient protein. Individuals with kwashiorkor may have access to food, but the foods they consume may not contain enough protein. The resulting protein deficiency leads to swelling in the feet, ankles, and abdominal regions due to edema, while the rest of the body appears generally weak.