10 Protein Deficiency Symptoms
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Symptom #2: Edema
Edema is one of the first symptoms of protein deficiency, especially kwashiorkor. Edema is the build-up of fluids in tissues, especially in legs and abdomen. Significant decrease in protein leads to a decrease in the level of serum albumin, which subsequently leads to edema.
Albumin is the major protein in blood and plasma. One of its functions is to keep the fluids within the bloodstream by maintaining oncotic pressure. Keeping the fluids within the blood prevents them from accumulating in any body part. When the albumin decreases, oncotic pressure decreases and the fluids escape from within the bloodstream and accumulate in tissues. This causes swelling or edema in the affected parts of the body.
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