Protein Deficiency Diseases
Protein Deficiency Diseases: Proteins are the major constituents of the body and are required for
most of the vital body functions. Deficiency of proteins can cause many health
issues and also diseases like kwashiorkor and marasmus.
As there is continuous
proteins building as well as degradation in human body for its normal
functions, their regular optimal intake is very essential for keeping good
health. If our body does not receive enough of it from the diet, the protein in
the muscles and tissues in the body is depleted.
Protein deficiency diseases occur in developing countries due to poverty as well as lack of knowledge about their nutritional requirements. In regions devastated by strife, wars, drought, famine, floods and blights, food becomes scarce and protein inadequacy and connected pathological conditions become common.
In developed nations, though protein inadequacy in nutrition is very rare, it does occur in neglected children and seniors. In patients with chronic debility and cachexia requiring prolonged hospitalization, there is maldigestion, malabsorption and inefficient utilization of nutrients. In such cases there can be shortcoming in amino acids intake.
Protein deficiency diseases occur in developing countries due to poverty as well as lack of knowledge about their nutritional requirements. In regions devastated by strife, wars, drought, famine, floods and blights, food becomes scarce and protein inadequacy and connected pathological conditions become common.
In developed nations, though protein inadequacy in nutrition is very rare, it does occur in neglected children and seniors. In patients with chronic debility and cachexia requiring prolonged hospitalization, there is maldigestion, malabsorption and inefficient utilization of nutrients. In such cases there can be shortcoming in amino acids intake.
Protein
deficiency diseases
Protein C deficiency is an inherited
debility affecting the production of body's natural anticoagulant. It causes
abnormal blood clotting (thrombosis) specially in veins.
Protein S deficiency also affects the production of natural anticoagulant. However the cause can either be genetic or acquired through a shortfall in vitamin K.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, one type of protein inadequacy syndrome, causes difficulty in breathing, wheezing, vision problems and weakness.
Mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency causes low blood sugar, weakness, cardiac and hepatic problems, wasting of muscles and difficulty in feeding.
Protein S deficiency also affects the production of natural anticoagulant. However the cause can either be genetic or acquired through a shortfall in vitamin K.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, one type of protein inadequacy syndrome, causes difficulty in breathing, wheezing, vision problems and weakness.
Mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency causes low blood sugar, weakness, cardiac and hepatic problems, wasting of muscles and difficulty in feeding.
Protein
deficiency diseases of specific amino acids
Proteins are made up
of amino acids. 22 amino acids are found to be present in human tissues. Many
of the amino acids can be synthesized by our body. However nine of them are
very essential as our body cannot synthesize and we have to get them through
our food sources. The chronic inadequacy of any of these essential amino acids
can also cause specific abnormal and harmful functioning. Even the non
essential amino acids are also required to be supplemented to ensure an optimal
available quantity for building proteins.
Some of these essential amino acids and the deleterious effects on health due to their inadequacy in the food composition is briefly discussed here.
Some of these essential amino acids and the deleterious effects on health due to their inadequacy in the food composition is briefly discussed here.
Histidine
A shortfall of
L-histidine in the food source can lead to symptoms like anemia, lowering of
histamine production, lowered zinc absorption, and lowered immune
responses.
Isoleucine
A dearth of Isoleucine
in the protein source can lead to symptoms like headaches, giddiness, weakness,
depression, confusion and irritability.
Leucine
Undersupply of Leucine
in the diet shows symptoms similar to hypoglycaemia. Symptoms include headache,
giddiness, weakness, lack of mental stability, disorientation, irritability and
depression.
Lysine
Want of Leucine in
dietary protein shows symptoms like irritability, dizziness, fatigue, anemia,
mood swing, hair loss and stunted growth.
Methionine
Scarcity of Methionine
in diet can lead to reduced synthesis of cysteine, which protects liver cells
from destruction. Increased lipid peroxidation, depression, elevated risk of
atherosclerosis are some of the effects of dearth in the biological
availability of methionine.
Phenylalanine
Manifestations of
phenylalanine inadequacy include confusion, lethargy, lack of energy, fluid
retention, depression, skin lesions, decreased alertness, liver damage, memory
problems, slow growth and lack of appetite.
Threonine
Symptoms of threonine
inadequacy include irritability, mood swing, impulsiveness and memory problems.
Its inadequacy appears to affect the brain functions.
Tryptophan
Dietary dearth of
tryptophan may lead to low levels of serotonin. Low serotonin levels are
associated with depression, anxiety, panic, irritability, mood change,
impatience, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, increase in weight, food
cravings, aggressiveness and insomnia.
Valine
A shortfall of valine in dietary protein may affect the myelin
covering of the nerves. The inability to metabolise leucine, isoleucine, and
valine causes Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). The urine of the persons
affected by this disease smells like maple syrup
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