Consequences of protein deficiency in children

Protein is an important component of all cells and tissues in the human body. All important components of the body require the participation of protein. If children lack protein, there will be many adverse effects, but many families are not clear about the consequences of children's protein deficiency, so let's ask authoritative experts to explain it to everyone.

Marasmus

The early symptoms are no weight gain or even weight loss. If the disease lasts for a long time, the subcutaneous fat layer will not be full or will disappear completely. The order in which subcutaneous fat disappears is the abdomen first, followed by the chest and back, then the upper and lower limbs, and temples, and finally the forehead, neck, and cheeks. When the fat layer of facial skin disappears, wrinkles form on the forehead, cheekbones become prominent, and the chin becomes longer, giving the appearance of an elderly person. In the early stages of malnutrition, it is difficult to detect weight loss if you only look at the face without doing a full body examination. When a large amount of subcutaneous fat disappears, the skin becomes dry, loose, and loses elasticity. In the early stages, the child often cries and becomes irritable, and then becomes dull. The appetite is good in the early stage, but then decreases and even disappears, and there are often symptoms of acute digestive disorders such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Edema malnutrition

Edema is its characteristic feature. The edema on both sides of the body is symmetrical and first occurs in the lower limbs, especially the dorsum of the feet. For patients with a longer course of illness, significant pitting edema may be seen in the abdomen, lumbar region, external genitalia, and even the backs of the hands and arms. In severe cases, edema may occur in the abdominal wall, face, eyelids, and conjunctiva. Laboratory examinations of children with facial edema reveal a significant decrease in plasma albumin, which can drop below 20 g/L when the edema is severe. In addition, children often show symptoms of weakness and mental depression, dry and cold skin, dry, yellow and easy-to-fall hair, and slow nail growth.

The above is the relevant article about the consequences of protein deficiency in children. Everyone should understand the consequences of protein deficiency in children. It turns out that there are so many adverse reactions, so everyone must pay attention to protein supplementation for children.