Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, and not eating enough protein can cause serious health problems, so here’s everything you need to know about the signs and symptoms of protein deficiency and the amount of protein you need daily to treat this deficiency, according to the website.insider“.
What is the benefit of protein for the body?
Protein is a complex macronutrient found in some foods, such as animal products and legumes, and protein in its simplest form is a chain of amino acids that help build muscles, bones, skin, hair, nails, and more.
Protein deficiency is linked to a person’s low intake of foods that contain protein, as its lack of protein beyond the normal range needed by the body harms human health in general.
What are the signs and symptoms of protein deficiency?
Stacy Stevenson, a certified dietitian and member of the Board of Directors of the American Dietetic Association, says that protein deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, which can vary according to the percentage of deficiency in the body. Light hair and increase the appetite towards eating protein foods.
In severe cases that suffer from lack of protein in the body, it may lead to greater health problems for these people, such as feeling bloated stomach, cracked skin, stunted growth, weak and thin porous bones, and it may lead to cirrhosis.
What are the causes of protein deficiency?
Dietitian Stevenson says that protein deficiency is commonly associated with poor nutrition and insufficient eating of protein-containing foods. Protein deficiency can also be linked to certain diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, and the amount of protein that each person needs depends on his age, health, and daily activity level. Athletes have more protein, which is prescribed by their dietitians.
Who are the people most at risk of protein deficiency?
According to an American nutrition expert, the people most at risk of protein deficiency are the elderly over the age of 70, and vegetarians who avoid eating animal products, which are rich sources of protein, and one of the studies conducted in 2013 indicated that it is possible for “vegetarians” who do not consume animal products Get enough protein from plant sources, such as lentils and beans. “As long as you consciously get enough protein from plant sources, you will not be more at risk of protein deficiency,” says Stevenson..
What is the treatment for protein deficiency?
If you feel symptoms indicating a lack of protein in your body, such as unexplained fatigue or changes in your hair, skin, and nails, you must then visit a doctor who will conduct necessary tests for you to confirm the lack of protein in your body and exclude other causes for these symptoms.
Protein deficiency is usually treated either by increasing the daily rate of eating protein foods, such as nuts and seeds such as almonds, pistachios, cashews and flaxseeds, and legumes such as lentils, beans, eggs, fish, poultry and dairy products such as yogurt and cottage cheese.
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