Record 4 harmful effects if the child is deficient in protein

Protein is included in macronutrients, namely nutrients that the body needs in large quantities. All people need this nutrition, especially children to support their growth and development. If a child is deficient in protein, of course there will be bad effects that will occur. Anything? Find out the answer below.

The role of protein for child development

Children need more protein than adults. This nutrient acts as a building, maintenance, and replacement substance for damaged tissues in the body.

Starting from the muscles, organs, and the immune system consists of protein. Not only that, protein also contributes energy so that children stay active. Protein also increases the immune system so that children do not get sick easily.

During their infancy, children need about 1 gram of protein per 0.5 kg of body weight.

Protein can be obtained from foods, such as chicken, milk, fish, red meat, nuts, and vegetables and fruit. In order not to lack protein, parents need to pay special attention to children's protein food intake.

The negative impact due to protein deficiency in children

The benefits of protein in children are abundant. If he is deficient in this one nutrient, various health problems can occur.

Several conditions are caused due to a lack of protein in children, including:

1. Marasmus

Lack of protein in children can also cause health problems such as marasmus. Children with this disease will lose body fat and muscle so that they may not grow like other normal children.

In developing countries, this disease occurs due to food shortages. Meanwhile, in developed countries, marasmus can result eating disorder aka eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa.

The main symptom of marasmus is the loss of fat in the body and facial tissues so that the bones become more visible on the surface of the skin.

Their skin will appear saggy and their eyes will become sunken. Symptoms of marasmus due to protein deficiency in children that may occur include:

Persistent dizziness
The body is weak and limp
Dry and brittle skin
Losing weight and getting sick easily

In the long term, the child's growth is very slow and can have serious complications that can be fatal. Complications include bradycardia (very slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure).

2. Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a severe condition caused by the body lacking protein or calories in the body. Usually this disease attacks countries with limited food supplies.

This disease occurs due to certain body cells not getting protein. As a result, the normal function of cells dies and cannot develop normally.

Here are various conditions that can occur if a child has kwashiorkor.

Stunting

Protein is closely related to growing children. If the child lacks this intake, growth problems can occur, for example stunting.

Stunting is the most common effect of protein deficient children. Children with this condition usually have a short stature.

This occurs because the collagen (a type of fibrous protein) which helps maintain muscle mass and bone growth is not enough to do its job.

Skin, nail and hair problems

Types of protein such as collagen and keratin are the building blocks of skin, hair and nails. Children who are deficient in these nutrients will usually experience changes in skin, nails, and hair.

The nails may tend to be drier, making them prone to peeling and turning lighter or darker in color. The nails will also become very brittle when the condition is severe.

Hair color can also usually change to reddish, orange, or light yellow. Not only that, usually the volume of the hair shaft will be thinner so that it is easier to break and fall out.

Swelling occurs in the body

Albumin protein is in the fluid that is in the blood or is called blood plasma. Its function is to maintain oncotic pressure (the ability to draw fluid into the blood circulation).

If the child is deficient in protein, the oncotic pressure will be reduced. As a result, fluid can build up in the tissues and cause swelling (edema).

Usually, edema occurs in the abdominal cavity. This is why a child with kwashiorkor has a distended stomach and a very thin body.

3. Marasmus kwashiorkor

This is a complication and a combined form of marasmus and kwashiorkor. Children with this condition weigh less than 60% of the body weight of normal children their age.

In addition to being very thin, children with this condition also experience swelling, weakness, problems with skin, hair, and nails.

4. Hypoproteinemia

Hypoproteinemia indicates a very low level of protein in the blood. This condition can occur in children who eat less protein foods or have certain health problems, such as kidney disease, liver disease, celiac disease, and colitis.

Symptoms of hypoproteinemia in children who are deficient in protein can be severe and mild, including:

Extreme tired body
Get sick easily and get infected
Hair is thin, dry, and falls out
Dry skin and peels easily

Because the symptoms of medical problems due to protein deficiency in children are almost the same, consult a doctor immediately to get a proper diagnosis.