Diagnosis of a protein deficiency
There are various symptoms that make one think of a protein deficiency. These include among others: In a physical examination, a serious iron deficiency can also reveal iron deficiency edema (see below). To confirm the diagnosis, the protein level in the blood should be determined.
The total protein concentration in the blood should be between 64 and 83 g/l depending on the laboratory. If the value is lower, there is a protein deficiency. Urine can also be examined to determine whether protein is being lost via the kidneys.
- Tiredness
- Muscle aches
- Hair Loss
- Brittle nails
- Wound healing disorders
- Weight loss through muscle loss
In the medical history there are often already indications of a protein deficiency. The patient complains about corresponding symptoms. Testing whether a protein deficiency is present can be done by a blood test.
The total protein concentration in the blood should be between 64 and 83 g/l depending on the laboratory. An iron deficiency is therefore present when the total protein in the blood falls below the lower standard value. In this case it is advisable to carry out further tests to find the cause of the protein deficiency.
The standard values for protein in the blood vary greatly and vary from laboratory to laboratory. In principle, however, one can remember that the proteins in the blood are a very heterogeneous group. Most of the blood protein is formed by the protein albumin.
It is therefore possible to measure the albumin content in addition to the total protein content of the blood. The albumin content is between 35 and 53 g/l in most laboratories. In addition, it is worthwhile to perform a urinalysis in addition to a blood test to check whether protein is lost via the urine, i.e. the kidney.
Treatment of a protein deficiency
Proteins are essential for the body to survive. A protein deficiency can have serious consequences. Therefore, an existing protein deficiency should definitely be corrected.The German Society for Nutrition recommends that 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight should be taken in through food.
This can prevent a protein deficiency. In phases of increased protein requirement (growth, pregnancy & nursing period, weight training) the supply should be increased to 1.5g per kilogram body weight. In Africa, protein deficiency is much more common due to malnutrition.
In the treatment of protein deficiency, it is important for those affected to first slowly increase their protein intake in order not to trigger a refeeding syndrome. This clinical picture can arise if patients suddenly suddenly receive normal food quantities after a long period of malnutrition. Patients with severe end-stage liver disease are usually given infusions of protein (albumin), as sufficient protein production in the liver is no longer possible.
An extra portion of protein in the form of an infusion also helps to eliminate protein deficiency in tumor patients. Especially if they suffer from ascites due to the protein deficiency. If a kidney disease with protein loss via the kidney is the cause of the protein deficiency, this kidney disease should be treated in the best possible way.
The prognosis of a protein deficiency depends on its cause. Protein deficiency due to malnutrition can theoretically be compensated relatively easily. If serious diseases are the cause of the protein deficiency, the prognosis is usually worse. Severe end-stage kidney and liver diseases that lead to iron deficiency can often no longer be treated curatively. Protein can then be administered to patients in the form of infusions.
