Side Effects of Low Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient for human functioning. Diets that lack adequate protein can lead to development of serious medical problems.

Prevalence

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 500 million people suffer from protein-energy malnutrition. Approximately 10 million people die each year from protein-energy malnutrition.

Function

Protein is necessary for growth, tissue repair, immune system functioning, production of necessary hormones and enzymes, preserving muscle mass and providing energy for the body. These functions may be significantly impaired if an insufficient amount of protein is consumed.

Symptoms

Symptoms of inadequate protein consumption include weight loss, especially loss of muscle tissue, weakness, fatigue, frequent infections, severe fluid retention and stunted growth and development in children.

Conditions

Marasmus, kwashiorkor and marasmic kwashiorkor are related medical conditions caused by lack of protein in a diet. Symptoms of these conditions include severe muscle wasting, skin that is loose and dry, irritability and low body weight. These conditions have a high mortality rate.

Hair Loss

Diets that do not include enough protein and iron may cause hair loss. Increasing protein intake can slow or reverse hair loss in cases where the hair loss was caused by poor nutrition.