Protein Deficiency: A Global Public Health Concern
Protein is an essential macronutrient for normal human functioning. It plays a role in numerous metabolic processes, including growth and development, immune function, and tissue repair. Despite its vital role in health, protein deficiency is a global public health concern, especially in developing countries. This article will discuss the causes, health consequences, and interventions for protein deficiency.
Causes
Protein deficiency is mainly caused by inadequate dietary intake. This is commonly seen in individuals with low incomes in developing countries, where diets are often low in protein and animal-sourced foods (Lenters et al., 2019). Inadequate dietary intake is often due to limited access to food, poverty, and poor food choices. In addition, certain medical conditions, such as malabsorption syndromes, can lead to inadequate protein absorption from food (Lenters et al., 2019).
Health Consequences
Protein deficiency can have numerous health consequences, including stunted growth in children, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of infection (Lenters et al., 2019). It can also lead to anemia, edema, and muscle wasting. In severe cases, protein deficiency can be fatal (Lenters et al., 2019).
Interventions
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends interventions for protein deficiency that focus on improving access to food, particularly animal-sourced foods and dietary supplements (Bhutta et al., 2013). In addition, interventions to increase dietary diversity are important in ensuring adequate intake of protein (Bhutta et al., 2013). For individuals with medical conditions that impair protein absorption, interventions to improve absorption, such as nutritional supplements, may be necessary (Lenters et al., 2019).
Conclusion
Protein deficiency is a global public health concern that can have numerous health consequences. It is mainly caused by inadequate dietary intake, which is often due to poverty and limited access to food. Interventions for protein deficiency should focus on improving access to food and increasing dietary diversity. For individuals with medical conditions that impair protein absorption, interventions to improve absorption, such as nutritional supplements, may be necessary.
References
Bhutta, Z. A., Ahmed, T., Black, R. E., Cousens, S., Dewey, K., Giugliani, E., … & Uauy, R. (2013). Evidence-based interventions for improvement of maternal and child nutrition: what can be done and at what cost? The Lancet, 382(9890), 452-477.
Lenters, L. M., Rijkers, G. T., van der Beek, E. M., Garssen, B., & Knippels, L. M. (2019). Protein deficiency: Causes, health consequences and interventions. Nutrients, 11(11), 2525.