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What health problems can result from too little protein in the diet?
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nutritional disease
Children with rickets. The disease, which most commonly strikes children, causes bone deformities such as bowlegs. Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium.
Insufficient protein intake can lead to severe health conditions categorized under protein-energy malnutrition. The two primary forms are:
- Kwashiorkor: Caused by severe protein deficiency despite adequate caloric intake. Symptoms include edema, a potbelly, fatty liver, anemia, skin rashes, and reddish-orange hair discoloration. It can also lead to nervous irritability and digestive issues.1
- Marasmus: Resulting from a deficiency in both protein and calories. It is characterized by extreme wasting of muscle and fat, growth retardation, and emaciation.12
General health consequences of protein deficiency include:
- Immune Dysfunction: Atrophy of the thymus and a reduction in helper T cells impair the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections like measles and diarrheal diseases.3
- Developmental Issues: Protein malnutrition in early life may cause stunted mental development and permanent intellectual disability.12
- Physical Symptoms: Individuals may experience brittle hair, dry skin, low blood pressure, and slow heart rate (bradycardia).2
Addressing these conditions requires a balanced diet rich in protein and calories to restore bodily functions and immune health.123