Elucidate the ill effects of protein deficiency in the body

Protein is a type of nutrient that carry out the construction, maintenance and repair of our body’s cells.  Many enzymes in our cells are made up of protein and all cell membrane also contain protein in them. Deficiency of protein in our body can have a number of negative side effects and ultimately leads to death.

Some of the ill effects of protein deficiency in our body are :-

1) Kwashiorkor: it is a condition that occur due to the deficiency of protein in our body. It mostly affects children.  Its symptoms include:- enlarged liver, a swollen abdomen, swollen feet, skin depigmentation, skin inflammation, thinning hair and tooth loss. It can also affect the immune system and inhibit mental and physical development.

2) Long term protein deficiency can affect mental health and cause anxiety, crankiness, depression and moodiness. It can lead to mental retardation.

3) Marasmus:- it is a type of condition that occur due to the protein deficiency in our body. Its symptoms include fatigue, muscle wasting, reduced body fat levels, reduced energy levels and weight loss.

4)  Protein deficiency can also lead to oedema (fluid retention).  This can cause swelling in many areas of the body such as the feet, hands and stomach. 

5) Protein deficiency can also lead to the organ failure.Due to less amount of protein our body will be not able to repair the damages properly, that in long term will prevent our organs from functioning properly and cause them to fail.

6) Protein deficiency also result in the weak immune system.

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