Protein is one of the macronutrients that is very important for the repair and formation of various body tissues, as well as a source of energy. When the body lacks protein, a number of health problems can appear whose effects cannot be underestimated.
Lack of protein not only causes hunger, fatigue, and weakness, but can also weaken your immune system. Protein is a macronutrient needed to build, repair, and regulate the function of various tissues and organs of the body, including muscles.
Impact of Protein Deficiency
Protein deficiency can occur when protein intake is not sufficient, or when the body cannot digest and absorb protein properly. A number of adverse effects that can arise from protein deficiency are:
1. Hair loss
Lack of protein intake can trigger hair loss. This is because when the body lacks protein, the rate of hair growth will slow down and more hair follicles will enter the resting phase. As a result, hair becomes brittle, falls out easily, and becomes thinner.
2. Impaired brain function and mental health
Protein deficiency can cause impaired brain function. The reason is because the amino acids present in proteins are needed for the formation of various types of protein neurotransmitter, which is a chemical compound that plays a role in delivering a stimulus or message to the nerve cells of the brain and muscles.
Amino acids contained in protein are also needed for the formation of mood-related dopamine and serotonin. Lack of dopamine and serotonin can put you in a bad mood and trigger behavioral disorders.
3. Decreased body immunity
Lack of protein can reduce immunity or body immunity. That is why, people whose protein needs are not fulfilled properly are more susceptible to disease, especially infectious diseases.
4. Child growth and development is stunted
The growth and development of children is also influenced by the adequacy of protein intake, you know. As previously explained, protein is the raw material for various tissues, hormones, and proteins neurotransmitter.
If the child's protein intake is less, of course the process of growth and development can be disrupted. One of the signs is that the child experiences stunting or have a shorter stature than other children his age.
5. Wound healing process is slow
Lack of protein intake can slow down the wound healing process. Research shows that one of the causes of wounds that are difficult to heal is low levels of protein in the body. This is certainly not surprising, because protein is needed to repair damaged tissue and form new tissue.
To avoid the various effects of protein deficiency, you need to meet your daily protein needs by eating a variety of foods that contain protein. If necessary, consult a doctor to find out the amount of protein intake needed, according to your health condition.