Insufficient dietary protein intake is the primary cause of protein deficiency. This means not consuming enough protein-rich foods in your diet. Severe protein deficiency is medically termed kwashiorkor, a condition more prevalent in low-income areas with limited food access.
Understanding Protein Deficiency
Protein is essential for various bodily functions, including building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. When the body lacks sufficient protein, several issues can arise.
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Causes of Protein Deficiency:
- Inadequate dietary intake: This is the most common cause. Not eating enough protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, and dairy products leads to insufficient protein levels.
- Malabsorption: Certain medical conditions can impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients, including protein, from food.
- Increased protein needs: Conditions like pregnancy, breastfeeding, illness, or injury increase the body's demand for protein, potentially leading to deficiency if intake doesn't match the increased need.
- Poor-quality protein sources: Consuming only low-protein or incomplete proteins can also contribute to deficiency.
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Consequences of Protein Deficiency:
- Kwashiorkor: A severe form of protein malnutrition, characterized by fluid retention, edema (swelling), and a swollen abdomen. [Source: Cleveland Clinic]
- Hypoproteinemia: Low levels of protein in the blood, which can result from various causes, including insufficient intake. [Source: Medical News Today]
- Other symptoms: A range of symptoms can manifest, including hair loss, brittle nails, fatigue, muscle weakness, and increased hunger. [Source: Healthline]
It is important to note that specific protein deficiencies, like Protein S deficiency, are genetic in nature, and are not directly caused by insufficient dietary intake. [Source: NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), UpToDate] These are separate issues from overall protein deficiency stemming from diet. Additionally, deficiencies in certain proteins involved in cellular processes, such as Adaptor protein complex 4, can also cause severe conditions. [Source: PubMed]
