Protein Deficiency
There is a popular myth that we must stay vigilant about what we eat so that we do not develop protein deficiency. We now know that protein deficiency in fact is virtually impossible to get protein deficiency if a person consumes a calorie-sufficient diet. A wholesome diet including meat, eggs, fish, vegetarian diet or also the unprocessed plant foods does not lack in amino acids and proteins. Although the quality of animal proteins is much better than animal source proteins. The human body is utterly capable of processing incomplete proteins and turning them into viable proteins by using the amino acid recycle mechanism. (11)
A majority of the amino acids that our body absorbs from the intestinal tract derive from recycled proteins in the body. Some studies indicate that higher level intakes of animal proteins might significantly add to the risk of early mortality from a variety of causes like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Proteins are essential building block of the skin, muscles, hormones, and enzymes. Protein deficiency can lead to destructive effects on all body tissues. Although protein deficiency is quite rare because most of the foods contain some protein but it can be a possibility in diseased and malnourished section of the society.
The possibility of true protein deficiency is rare in developed region of the world but some people are still living at risk of developing it. Protein deficiency can lead to several health issues, while low intake of protein might also be of a noteworthy concern. As protein deficiency can result in subtle yet destructive changes in the human body over time so it is important to get proper treatment. The doctors state that you develop protein deficiency when your dietary intake of protein is not up to the mark to fulfill your body’s requirements. Some people in the developed countries might also at risk of protein deficiency. The risk group include the people who are residing in institutions as well as are following an imbalanced diet or the hospitalized patients.
Protein deficiency indicates a state of absolute or relative deficiency of one or more essential amino acids or body proteins in the body. A physician confirms the diagnosis of protein deficiency by looking at the protein turnover in an individual. Protein turnover represents the balance of protein re-synthesis and degradation. More protein formation than breakdown shows an anabolic state that makes lean tissues while more breakdown than formation shows a catabolic state which burns more lean tissues. The quantitative relationship between the rate of circulating amino acids and amino acid concentration is not uniform. A persistent low or high intake of protein can cause an overall decrease or increase in rate of amino acid catabolism which is partially independent of amino acid concentrations.
Although the major cause of protein deficiency is mostly a protein-deficient diet or a disorder which appears commonly in a number of pathologic states. The treatment of protein deficiency through diet is dependent on the underlying cause of the deficiency. The main treatment of protein deficiency includes micro-nutrient supplementation and balancing energy-protein levels.