Why is total protein low

Health Diabetes Blood Glucose. John, MD Updated April 25, Tina M. John, MD. John is a medical writer and editor with more than 15 years experience in the field.

She is a former medical officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Video of the Day. Dilution Effect. If you're allergic to peanuts, out of peanut butter, or just looking for something different, you may wonder what substitutes there are for the…. Cooking a dinner that pleases everyone in your family can be tricky. These 12 deconstructed dinners help everyone serve themselves what they love.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Few nutrients are as important as protein. This article lists 8 symptoms of low protein intake or deficiency. What Is Protein Deficiency? Share on Pinterest. Edema, which is characterized by swollen and puffy skin, is a classic symptom of kwashiorkor. Summary: Key symptoms of kwashiorkor are edema and a swollen abdomen. Fatty Liver. Summary: Fatty liver is one of the symptoms of kwashiorkor in children.

In worst case scenarios, it may lead to liver failure. Skin, Hair and Nail Problems. However, these symptoms are unlikely to appear unless you have a severe protein deficiency.

Summary: Severe protein deficiency may affect your skin, causing redness, flaky skin and depigmentation. It may also cause brittle nails and hair loss. Loss of Muscle Mass. Even moderate protein insufficiency may cause muscle wasting, especially in elderly people. Summary: Protein is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. Loss of muscle mass is one of the first signs of inadequate protein intake. Greater Risk of Bone Fractures. Muscles are not the only tissues affected by low protein intake.

Summary: Protein helps maintain the strength and density of bones. Insufficient protein intake has been linked to a lower bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures. Stunted Growth in Children. Summary: Insufficient protein intake may delay or prevent growth in children. Increased Severity of Infections. A protein deficit can also take its toll on the immune system. Greater Appetite and Calorie Intake. Summary: Low protein intake may increase appetite.

While a greater appetite is beneficial in times of food shortage, it may promote weight gain and obesity when food is plentiful. Nephrology and Dialysis 36 years experience. What's the implication of having low iga, low total protein, low ig subclasses, not adequately forming antibodies to pneumococcal vaccine, petichiae? Nayla Mumneh answered. Allergy and Immunology 29 years experience. CVID: This is commonly found in adults as common variable immunodeficiency and can cause repeated upper respiratory infections and pneumonia.

It is treated I have a high total protein and trace urine ketones. A Verified Doctor answered. A US doctor answered Learn more. See a nephrologist: Hi. The trace ketones don't mean much, but protein in the urine is a finding in a variety of kidney diseases from diabetes, high blood pressure, and Have a bun level of 19 and a creatinine of. Robert Killian answered.

General Practice 28 years experience. Infection or Diabete: I am not sure why you shared your normal lab values but frequent urine in a man is a prostate or bladder issue in general and is usually a sign of inf John cuong Doan answered. Family Medicine 18 years experience. Sounds like you: had a urine test for infection? Results look like you may have a mild UTI, though some of the numbers do not match up with the test acronym. People who are highly active, pregnant, or are trying to build muscle mass may need more than these recommended amounts.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of tissues. The body needs many different amino acids to fulfill its various functions. Examples include meat, fish, eggs, and poultry. Soy, a plant-based protein, is also a source of complete protein. Many plant-based proteins, including nuts, seeds, and beans, offer only some of the necessary essential amino acids. People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet should ensure they are getting all the amino acids they need by eating a variety of healthful, plant-based protein foods each day.

Read about the 15 best plant sources for protein. Although animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids in adequate proportions, many of them can adversely impact health. For example, red meat often contains high amounts of saturated fat and calories.

Fish may contain mercury or other contaminants, so children or pregnant women should avoid fish that are high in mercury. In general, eating moderate amounts of lean meat, poultry, and fish is the most effective way to consume a variety of complete proteins. Consuming a variety of proteins from animal and plant sources is usually the best way to avoid developing hypoproteinemia.

Although most plant-based foods are not complete proteins, they offer fiber, vitamins , minerals, and antioxidants that help fight disease.

Rather than focussing on any one type of protein, consuming a varied diet is the best way to good health. It is possible to treat and cure hypoproteinemia as long as a person receives the correct medical treatment and eats a balanced diet that includes sufficient protein from varied sources.

There are many things that people can eat and drink that may help to keep the blood thin and reduce the chances of dangerous clots developing.