Protein Deficiency Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide to Muscle, Immune and Bone Health

Protein deficiency affects almost all body functions, which can cause a wide range of symptoms and health problems, most notably muscle weakness.

Symptoms of protein deficiency may appear even in the absence of a sharp decrease in protein levels, as protein is one of the basic components of cells and tissues, and is the basic building block for building muscles, skin, enzymes, and hormones.

Symptoms of protein deficiency begin early in the deficiency, and their severity increases over time.

The most prominent of these symptoms are:

Fatigue and lethargy:

As low protein intake affects the muscles responsible for movement and changing body position, especially in the elderly.

As daily protein intake continues to decrease, symptoms of fatigue and lethargy may increase as a result of the body's cells not getting enough oxygen due to anemia, or a decrease in the metabolic rate, which leads to a lack of energy production needed to perform vital functions efficiently.

Muscles are the largest store of protein in the body:

When eating a low-protein diet for a long time, the body begins to consume protein from the skeletal muscles to meet the needs of vital tissues.

This leads to muscle wasting, a condition Even moderate cases of protein deficiency, especially in the elderly, may be accompanied by

Decreased muscle mass

Decreased muscle mass is an early sign of protein deficiency, making it more difficult to get rid of belly fat despite exercise

A decrease in weight by numerical measurements only without noticing a change in body measurements can be an indication of losing muscle mass instead of fat, which requires maintaining an adequate daily protein intake

Increased incidence of bone fractures:

Protein deficiency affects bone health by reducing the mass of skeletal muscles surrounding the bones, leading to their weakness and decreased density, thus increasing the risk of osteoporosis

Breast and nail fragility:

Protein is an essential component of the skin, hair, and nails. Protein deficiency may lead to brittle nails, thinning hair, discoloration, hair loss, and red and peeling skin

Decreased immunity:

Mild or severe protein deficiency can affect the efficiency of the immune system. The most prominent signs of immunodeficiency are increased incidence of infections, increased severity of symptoms, and prolonged recovery from diseases.

Protein is a major source of amino acids that play an important role in the production of antibodies and the activation of white blood cells.

Increased appetite:

As protein deficiency leads to an increased feeling of hunger, as the body tries to send signals expressing its need for protein.

Low-protein foods do not provide a feeling of satiety for a long time, which may prompt some to consume high-calorie foods with low protein content, which may lead to weight gain.

Mood swings:

As protein deficiency can affect the production of some neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, leading to mood disorders.

This may also cause brain fog, poor concentration, and difficulty completing tasks.

Insomnia:

As low protein consumption leads to a decrease in the production of serotonin, which is a key element in regulating the sleep cycle and improving its quality.

In addition to the symptoms Previously, some may suffer from digestive problems, menstrual disorders in women, slow wound healing, edema, fatty liver, and delayed growth in children. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing problems associated with its deficiency.