9 Signs of Protein Deficiency in the Body to Be Aware of

Kapanlagi.com - Protein deficiency can cause various health problems. Protein plays an important role in all body tissues, including muscles, skin, bones, and hair. When the body lacks protein, there are important signs that need to be recognized as early as possible to anticipate further impacts.

The body needs protein to maintain health and improve the function of organs and tissues. When protein is not fulfilled, it can potentially trigger health problems, including attacking the immune system. This condition occurs because the body does not get enough protein from food intake.

According to healthline.com, the risk of protein deficiency can occur in various groups due to an imbalanced diet. Some healthy foods provide high protein content that is beneficial for body health.

The imbalance in the consumption of protein-rich foods can potentially cause health disorders. Symptoms can be felt such as fatigue, dry skin, muscle pain, nausea, or weight loss. To understand some signs of protein deficiency based on the reviews below needs to be done in order to prevent further risks.

Here are some signs of protein deficiency that you can recognize as early as possible, as summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Swelling Occurs

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The first sign of protein deficiency in the body is swelling. Swelling can occur in various parts of the body, including the abdomen, legs, or hands. This condition is also known as edema, which is a common sign of protein deficiency.

According to webmd.com, circulating protein in albumin functions to prevent fluid buildup in tissues. If protein is not met, it can cause fluid buildup in tissues. However, further examination is needed to determine the cause of swelling or edema.

2. Easily Changeable Mood

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The next sign of protein deficiency in the body is easily changeable mood. According to webmd.com, amino acids, which are part of proteins, play a role in the formation of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters function to convey information between cells. If the amount of protein in the body is low, it can disrupt the functioning of neurotransmitters.

This condition causes your body to easily feel depressed, which triggers easily changeable moods. Therefore, meeting the nutritional protein needs through food is necessary to prevent health problems that may arise.

3. Liver Disorders

Another sign of protein deficiency in the body is experiencing 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 is not yet known, research shows that disorders in the synthesis of fat-carrying proteins can potentially trigger liver problems. This is often experienced by individuals who are overweight or obese.

4. Hair, Skin, and Nail Problems

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The signs of protein deficiency also affect the hair, skin, and nails. Protein deficiency can cause hair problems such as thinning hair, changes in hair color, or easy hair loss as reported by healthline.com.

The same goes for nails, which can become brittle. However, these signs can occur in cases of serious protein deficiency. Further examination is needed to determine the exact cause of the problems that occur in the hair, skin, or nails.

5. Decreased Muscle Mass

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Protein deficiency can also be characterized by a body that easily becomes tired or weak. This is because protein plays an important role in body tissues such as muscles, which can enhance the functioning of these tissues. When the body lacks protein, this condition can significantly affect muscle mass.

This often occurs in middle-aged individuals who frequently experience a decrease in muscle function or even muscle loss due to protein deficiency. This condition can lead to easy fatigue, hindered metabolism, and difficulties in maintaining balance. It can even trigger the development of anemia due to insufficient red blood cells. This is because protein also plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen in the blood.

6. Fragile Bones

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The sign of protein deficiency can also be recognized in the condition of the bones. When the body lacks protein, it causes the bones to become fragile and increases the risk of fractures. This is because protein plays a significant role in maintaining the stability of bone tissue. According to healthline.com, insufficient protein intake can be risky and lead to bone fractures. This condition is often found in individuals who have reached old age, such as women who have entered menopause or post-menopause.

7. Weak Immune System

Another sign of protein deficiency is a weak immune system. The immune system plays an important role in fighting various bacterial or viral infections that cause diseases. When the immune system is weak or low, it is possible for the body to become vulnerable to certain health problems.

According to healthline.com, a sign of protein deficiency is that it makes the body susceptible to infections. However, even a small amount of protein deficiency can disrupt the immune system's function.

8. Eating Disorder

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Eating disorders can also indicate a lack of protein in the body. This eating disorder can cause you to experience a poor appetite pattern. For example, consuming more calories and triggering excessive hunger. As a result, this can make you tend to choose foods that have low protein content. The body is vulnerable to protein deficiency, which triggers cravings and constant hunger. According to healthline.com, some foods that have low protein but high calorie content include fast food. Most fast food even triggers excessive weight gain. Examination and consultation may be considered if you experience an eating disorder.

9. Healing Old Wounds

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Playing a crucial role in every body tissue, including wound healing, protein deficiency can also cause slow or prolonged wound healing. For example, when injured by a sharp object, sprained, sports injury, or falling, the healing process will take a long time. This happens because protein plays a role in blood clotting.

Those are the 9 signs of protein deficiency that need to be aware of. Further examination is needed to help address health problems that arise from protein deficiency.

(kpl/nlw)