Health News Written by Medical Doctors.

Med-Health.net
Home
Healthy Diet
Drugs & Supplements
Blood Pressure
Healthy Beauty
Women's Health
Drugs
Ear-Nose-Throat
Dermatology

Health Conditions
Healthy Diet
Drugs & Supplements
Blood Pressure
Healthy Beauty
Women's Health
Drugs
Ear-Nose-Throat
Dermatology
Skin Problems
Treatments & Remedies
Blood Health
Pain Management
LEARN MORE

Same Category

How to Tell if Pork is Bad

How to Make Sea Salt Spray
Foods High in Sulfur
Beet Juice Benefits
Foods for Depression
What to Eat After Vomiting
How Many Calories in a Carrot?
Drinking Epsom Salt

Home >
Healthy Diet >
Protein Deficiency Diseases

LEARN MORE

Protein Deficiency Diseases

Proteins are body building elements required by the human body. They provide the required
energy for the body to function properly and are crucial for the development of muscles.
Proteins also facilitate the development of nails, a healthy skin and promote hair growth.
Protein deficiency has side effects and can lead to medical conditions.

Protein Deficiency Diseases

1. Marasmus

Young children and infants are vulnerable to consequences of lack of protein. Marasmus is 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.
2. Kwashiorkor

Lack of proteins from carbohydrates sources like rice, yams, and bananas causes
kwashiorkor. This is a severe malnutrition disease common in older children. The University
of Maryland Medical center explains that symptoms of the illness include a swollen stomach
due to fluid retention. It also has symptoms common to marasmus such as irritability,
diarrhea, fatigue, limited growth and cognitive development as well as mental health.
3. 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.
4. Cachexia

A 2000 Research 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 JE 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 intakes.

Protein Deficiency Symptoms

Lack of Protein has signs and symptoms depicted in the body changes. 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

Deep line formations around

Increased water retention

Flakiness, dry skin and
rashes

the toes and nails

Stubborn wounds that do not

heal

Lethargy

Constant headaches

Weight loss

Insomnia

Anxiety

Moody feelings

Nausea

Blackouts

Skin ulcers

Depression

Bed sores

Skin color changes

Protein Deficiency Treatments

1. Protein Supplements

The use of supplements depends on the extent of the condition as well as the effect on the
deficiency. Supplementary nutrition is an addition to food intake, which enhances the dietary
intake. The elements are crucial for efficient protein supply to the body.
However, the protein intake should not be too much; rather, it should be in just the right
amount. Vegetarians and vegans need protein supplements to boost their bodys nutrient
contents. Neglecting the body is unhealthy and it has medical consequences. Finding the
right balance of protein is challenging hence supplements help to boost the nutrient levels
creating the right balance.
2. Protein Rich Foods

Consumption of foods enriched with proteins is essential. These come in different varieties
and should be taken on a daily basis for a healthy well built body. Daily protein intake
depends on the bodys needs, and it varies from adults, children, and sick people.
There are high protein diets recommended for acute cases of protein deficiencies. This is an
effective way to rebuild muscles, and it is also an effective solution for weight loss
programs.

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

Yoghurt

Sushi

Peanut butter

Steak

Soya beans

Skinned chicken

Tofu

Roasted Goose

Potatoes

Beef fillet steak

Bread

Rabbit

Goji berries

Roasted veal fillet

Avocadoes

Anchovies

Bread

Liver

Hummus

Crab

Nuts

Pork chops

Carrots

Lamb

Asparagus

Bacon

Seeds

Skinless turkey

Oats

Steak, kidney pie

Brown rice

Tuna

Bananas

Eggs

Pasta

Venison

Grains

Salmon

Coconut

Pork sausages

Whey protein

Sardines

Oranges

Monk fish

Couscous

Prawns

Cheese

Tilapia

Green Peas

Venison

Salmon

CopyRight WWW.MED-HEALTH.NET. Last Updated 16 May, 2014.