Protein Deficiency Diseases

Yesterday I warned of the dangers of excessive protein consumption and how too much of a good thing can be bad.  As with most things in life, it is also true that not enough of a good thing can be just as bad.  Proteins are body building nutrients body cannot survive without. They provide some of the energy for the body to function properly and are crucial for the development of muscles, nails, a healthy skin and promote hair growth. Chronic protein deficiency has serious side effects and can lead to debilitating medical conditions.

Protein Deficiency Diseases

Marasmus

Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to the effects of protein deficiency. Marasmus is a disease that is caused by a severe lack of important nutrients. Food4Africa notes that people affected by marasmus look frail and thin. This is a fatal disease that causes weight loss, and dehydration.

Kwashiorkor

Lack of proteins from complex carbohydrates like rice, yams, and bananas causes kwashiorkor. This is a disease of severe malnutrition common in older children. The University of Maryland Medical centre explains that symptoms of the illness include a swollen stomach due to fluid retention. It also has symptoms common to marasmus such as irritability, diarrhoea, fatigue, limited growth and cognitive development as well as impaired mental health.

Protein C and Protein S Deficiency

Research indicates that 1 in every 300 people suffers from the lack of Protein C. Similarly, Protein S deficiency affects 1 in 20,000 people. Medline Plus states that deficiency in Protein C & S is a hereditary disease leading to blood clotting. Such deficiencies are characterized by pain, redness, swelling and tenderness in the affected region. A 2009 research by A. Hoodain titled the Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology stated that Protein S deficiency causes ischemic stroke. Anyone affected by Protein diseases should avoid activities that tend to clot the blood. These include bed rest, sitting for a long time in cars, airplanes and transport systems.

Cachexia

A 2000 Research paper by Kotler D. P in the Annals of Internal Medicine explains that cachexia is a disease that causes the weakening of the skeletal muscles and reduction of protein. An article by J E Morley in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that the condition can be fatal. It is associated with chronic diseases like AIDS, cancer, chronic kidney failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rheumatoid arthritis. It leads to weight loss and could also lead to death. Reduced protein intake is common in patients suffering cancers of the colon, stomach, liver, pancreas and biliary tract. The reduction of calories and micronutrients leads to fatigue and the negative nitrogen balance. J. Ockenga in his 2005 article in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics highlights that the loss of muscles in cachexia is due to this reduced protein intake.

Protein Deficiency Symptoms

Protein deficiencies has signs and symptoms that manifest themselves in changes in the body. In case you experience any of the symptoms or you notice someone with the signs, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention. Some of these symptoms include:

§  Weak and sore muscles §  Increased water retention §  Flakiness, dry skin and rashes §  Lethargy §  Weight loss §  Anxiety §  Nausea §  Skin ulcers §  Bed sores

§  Deep line formations around the toes and nails §  Stubborn wounds that do not heal §  Constant headaches §  Insomnia §  Moody feelings §  Blackouts §  Depression §  Skin colour changes

Protein Deficiency Treatments

Protein Supplements

The decision to use supplements depends on the extent of the condition as well as the expected effect on the deficiency. Supplements are in addition to normal dietary intake, which enhances the overall nutrition values.

It is important though to no overdo the protein intake; rather, it should be sufficient to remedy the deficiency and not push the individual into excess. Vegetarians and vegans often need protein supplements to boost their body’s nutrient contents, if they are not consuming sufficient quantities of the protein-rich vegetarian foods. Finding the right balance of protein is challenging hence supplements help to boost the nutrient levels creating the right balance.

Protein Rich Foods

Consumption of protein-rich foods is vital. These come in different forms and should be taken on a daily basis for a healthy body. Daily protein intake depends on the body’s needs, and it varies for adults, children, the elderly and infirm.

High protein diets include meals enriched with foods like eggs, meats, peanuts, milk, chicken, sea foods, soy products, and fish.

For vegetarians, proteins from vegetables like legumes and nuts are ideal.

There are protein rich snacks that can be used to provide the necessary supply of protein. These include tasty tuna sandwich, sprout salads and soy products.

Non-Vegetarian Protein Foods	Vegetarian Protein Foods
§  Lobster §  Sushi §  Steak §  Skinned chicken §  Roasted Goose §  Beef fillet steak §  Rabbit §  Roasted veal fillet §  Anchovies §  Liver §  Crab §  Pork chops §  Lamb §  Bacon §  Skinless turkey §  Steak, kidney pie §  Tuna §  Eggs §  Venison §  Salmon §  Pork sausages §  Sardines §  Monk fish §  Prawns §  Tilapia §  Venison §  Salmon	§  Yoghurt §  Peanut butter §  Soya beans §  Tofu §  Potatoes §  Bread §  Goji berries §  Avocadoes §  Bread §  Hummus §  Nuts §  Carrots §  Asparagus §  Seeds §  Oats §  Brown rice §  Bananas §  Pasta §  Grains §  Coconut §  Whey protein §  Oranges §  Couscous §  Cheese §  Green Peas

 

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