8 Protein Deficiency Diseases that Pose Risks to the Body, Recognize the Symptoms

Kapanlagi.com - Protein plays an important role in health with its main function as nutrition for the maintenance of every cell in the body's tissues. For example, muscle tissue, skin, bones, or hair. In this case, protein deficiency can trigger the risk of diseases such as kwashiorkor.

Protein deficiency can be caused by the body not getting enough protein intake. In this case, to obtain protein, it can be obtained from various food sources that are rich in this important nutrient content, including eggs, almonds, chicken breast, milk, broccoli, or nuts.

Often, protein deficiency is not realized until it eventually triggers the risk of diseases. One of the diseases caused by protein deficiency that can occur due to low nutrient levels is kwashiorkor. It may sound unfamiliar, but this disease is a serious consequence of protein deficiency.

However, it is not only kwashiorkor, there are several types of protein deficiency diseases that are at risk of occurring if the body does not get enough intake of this nutrient. Protein deficiency diseases can arise with various symptoms and factors. The following are protein deficiency diseases that have been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Kwashiorkor Disease

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The first protein deficiency disease is kwashiorkor. As mentioned earlier, kwashiorkor is the negative consequence of protein deficiency. This disease often occurs when the body does not receive enough protein intake, particularly in famine-prone areas. As a result, kwashiorkor disease can occur, characterized by a severely emaciated body. However, certain body areas such as stiff wrists, swollen feet, and abdomen may sometimes appear swollen due to fluid accumulation, as reported by healthline.com.

Kwashiorkor disease is also associated with fluid retention or edema. This disease can affect anyone, including young children. If this disease occurs in children, they may experience growth problems. There are several recognizable symptoms of kwashiorkor disease, including:

- Changes in skin and hair color.

- Fatigue.

- Diarrhea.

- Loss of muscle mass.

- Swelling in the ankles, abdomen, or feet.

- Weak immune system.

- Shock.

- Rash and scaly skin.

2. Marasmus Disease

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The next protein deficiency disease is marasmus. This disease is classified as a severe protein deficiency. Marasmus often affects children, characterized by their weight loss. This causes the child to experience developmental problems, such as being too thin. Some recognizable symptoms of marasmus disease are as follows:

- Experiencing chronic diarrhea.

- Weak and easily tired body.

- Dry and rough skin.

- Respiratory problems.

- Stunted growth.

- Trembling or shaking hands.

3. Cachexia Disease

The next protein deficiency disease is cachexia. According to healthline.com, this disease causes sufferers to experience drastic weight loss and muscle wasting. Usually, cachexia is triggered by underlying medical conditions such as chronic diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, or heart disease.

There are several symptoms that a person at risk of developing cachexia may experience. Among the symptoms of cachexia disease are as follows:

- Fatigue.

- Loss of appetite.

- Decreased muscle mass.

- Anemia.

- Protein deficiency.

- Low fat-free mass index.

However, further examination is needed to determine if the body is experiencing this disease. In addition, the risk factors are higher if there is a history of chronic diseases such as cancer.

4. Liver Disorders

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The next protein deficiency disease is liver problems. According to healthline.com, liver disorders such as fatty liver disease can cause inflammation and potential liver failure.

Although the exact cause related to protein deficiency issues is not yet known, research shows that disturbances in the synthesis of fat-carrying proteins can potentially trigger liver disorders. This often occurs in overweight or obese individuals.

5. Protein C Deficiency Disease

Protein C deficiency disease occurs when the body cannot produce enough protein C. As a result, the body experiences disturbances in blood flow, which affects the blood clotting process, also known as purpura fulminans. According to medicalnewstoday.com, blood clotting problems can occur due to protein C deficiency. Symptoms that may be experienced due to protein C deficiency include blood clotting and blockages. Further examination may be considered to address the emerging health problems.

6. Protein S Deficiency Disease

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Protein S deficiency disease can occur when the level of protein S in the body is assessed as low. This health disorder can be caused by genetic factors. Protein S deficiency disease causes the sufferer to experience excessive blood clotting or coagulation.

This condition is also called thrombosis, a problem with blood clotting that triggers the formation of blood clots. There are several symptoms that can be felt, including pain in the hands and feet, swelling, and a warm sensation as reported from klikdokter.com.

7. Mitochondrial Trifunctional Protein Deficiency Disease

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As reported from honestdoc.id, mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency disease causes low blood sugar, problems with the liver and heart, and shrinking muscles. If it occurs in infants, this protein deficiency causes difficulty in breastfeeding. Consultation and examination can be considered to overcome these problems.

8. Diseases Due to Essential Amino Acid Protein Deficiency

Diseases due to a deficiency of essential amino acid protein can also occur when there is a lack of this nutrient. Because amino acids are known as the building blocks of proteins that offer many benefits to the body. Essential amino acids are composed of several protein substances such as histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

If these nutrients are in low amounts, several problems can occur, such as the risk of anemia, weak immune system, dizziness, headaches, depression, loss of appetite, or decreased brain function.

9. Signs of Protein Deficiency in the Body

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After knowing some of the diseases caused by protein deficiency above, there are several signs or symptoms of protein deficiency in the body. The symptoms of protein deficiency are as follows:

- Swelling occurs.

- Mood changes easily.

- Thinner hair and brittle nails.

- Decreased muscle mass.

- Brittle bones.

- Weak immune system.

- Eating disorders.

- Slow wound healing.

10. Diagnosis of Protein Deficiency

Sometimes, many people are unaware of protein deficiency, which can ultimately lead to certain health problems. In this case, if you experience symptoms of protein deficiency, a medical examination may be considered to determine whether or not your body lacks protein.

According to medicalnewstoday.com, the diagnosis of protein deficiency can be done through a series of blood tests, including total protein ratio, albumin, and albumin/globulin. Both of these types of proteins are produced by the liver, which can also detect liver problems if there is an imbalance in the amount of these proteins.

So those are the 8 diseases that are at risk due to protein deficiency, along with their symptoms. Consultation and examination can be considered to prevent health problems caused by protein deficiency.

(kpl/nlw)