- Nandita Narayanan
Protein is an essential nutrient for building muscles, skin, hair and hormones. Here are a few signs and symptoms caused by protein deficiency.
Muscles store protein, and the body takes more protein from skeletal muscles when there is a protein deficiency. This leads to muscle loss
Protein deficiency causes increased hunger, and more frequent eating since protein keeps one full for longer than carbohydrates and fats.
In addition to weakening muscles, low-protein diets can also reduce bone density by decreasing collagen production, which can cause bone fractures and osteoporosis.
A lack of protein prevents the body from transporting fat away from the liver, accumulating fat in the liver cells and causing liver disease
Hair thinning, faded hair color, melasma (brown patches on the skin), acne, flaky skin, and premature aging are some problems caused by protein deficiency.
Protein deficiency leads to fluid retention in body parts due to a lack of albumin, a plasma protein that helps maintain fluid balance. This can result in edema, which is swelling in the legs, feet and hands.
Insufficient protein results in low collagen production, which slows wound healing and muscle repair.