Download How to Spot Signs of Protein Deficiency

Too little protein …
HOW TO SPOT SIGNS OF PROTEIN DEFICIENCY
PROTEIN IS THE LEADING FACTOR IN
physical growth as well regulation and maintenance of hair,
muscles, tendons, skin and eyes. Protein deficiency is a
common concern, particularly among vegetarians, dieters and
body builders. If you feel that your diet is lacking in protein, it is
important to know the warning signs of deficiency.
WARNING SIGNS OF LACK OF PROTEIN

Keep an eye on your hair and nails. Signs of
protein deficiency often take a long time to
become apparent as the body uses protein
stored in the tissues if the diet is inadequate.
Splitting and/or falling hair and brittle nails are
among the first symptoms.
WARNING SIGNS OF LACK OF PROTEIN

Pay attention to your energy levels, as extreme
fatigue, sleeping too much and generally
feeling heavy and tired are all signs that you
may need to boost your levels of protein.
WARNING SIGNS OF LACK OF PROTEIN

Ask yourself if you are taking more measures
recently to combat bouts of constipation. While
there are a number of reasons that you may
feel constipated, irregularity is one of the signs
of protein deficiency.
WARNING SIGNS OF LACK OF PROTEIN

Watch your muscles' growth, or lack thereof. If
the body does not have a sufficient supply of
protein, it cannot properly build and maintain
muscle tissue. Additionally, protein is stored in
the muscles and will be used by the body in
case of deficiency. If your muscles appear more
flabby than normal, you may need to get more
protein in your diet.
WARNING SIGNS OF LACK OF PROTEIN

Check your heart rate regularly, seeking
medical attention if it falls below 60 beats per
minute. While low blood pressure is one of the
later signs of protein deficiency, it is an
important one which can affect your health in a
number of ways.
WARNING SIGNS OF LACK OF PROTEIN

Be careful to not allow a protein deficiency to
become severe, as the effects become even
more drastic. In extreme cases of protein
deficiency, growth may be halted, particularly in
children and can cause drastic fluid retention,
mental disorders and skin rashes.
Kwashiorkor: muscle
wasting,
edema (fluid retention),
an enlarged, fatty liver,
with the preservation
of visible fat stores.
WHAT ARE TOXICITY SYMPTOMS FOR PROTEIN?
Excessive intake of protein over many years may
lead to kidney problems and/or accelerated bone
loss eventually leading to osteoporosis. The
building blocks of protein, called amino acids,
should not be consumed in amounts significantly
above the amounts found in food (e.g.
supplements).
 Because the kidneys play a primary role in protein
metabolism, individuals with end-stage kidney
disease must carefully monitor their intake of
protein.
