Protein Deficiency

Protein deficiency is common among agricultural African population, especially those whose diet consist mainly of vegetables that are poor in proteins.

Clinical symptoms of protein deficiency include irritability, edema, ascites, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia.

The first sign of protein deficiency is likely to be weak muscles – the body tissue most reliant on protein.

For example, children who also do not get enough protein have shrunken, weak muscles. Their cheeks may become round and more prominent. They may also have thin hair, their skin may be covered with sores.

A protein deficiency may also show up in your blood. Red blood cells live for only 12 days. Protein is needed to produce new ones.

In protein malnutrition every cell and every tissue is affected, However, they are not affected at the same time nor at the same rate.

There is a pattern of reaction of the body, in which organs with high protein and cell turnover are affected early followed later by these with low protein turnover.

People who do not get enough protein may become anemic, having fewer red blood cells than they needed.

Protein deficiency may also show up as fluid retention (big belly in a starving child) hair become thin and loss, and muscle wasting caused by the body’s attempt to protect itself by digesting the proteins in its own muscle tissue.

Skin changes such as hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis, desquamation and ulcers may occur. That’s why victim of starvation are literally, skin and bones.
Protein Deficiency