The medical term used to describe reduced protein levels in the blood is hypoproteinemia. In general, there are a lot of things that can cause low protein in the blood, including autoimmune disorders, liver or kidney disease, and others.
In other words, hypoproteinemia occurs when protein levels in the blood are below the normal range. This macronutrient builds and maintains the immune system, muscles, and organs. Physicians have divided this condition into 2 categories. For example:
- Albumin – This is a type of protein found in the blood plasma. It keeps fluid from leaking from the bloodstream.
- Globulin – This is another form of protein that forms blood clots and helps the liver and kidneys function properly.
What Are The Symptoms of Hypoproteinemia?
People who develop this condition may experience different symptoms, depending on which part of the body is affected. Check some general symptoms of hypoproteinemia below:
- Pruritus (itchy skin)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Edema (fluid buildup) in the abdomen or feet
- Dry skin
- Rashes
- Frequent infections
- Brittle hair, hair loss, or loss of hair pigment
If any of the symptoms listed above occur, immediately contact your healthcare professional. Otherwise, it may lead to serious complications.
Causes
While there are a lot of things and conditions that may cause hypoproteinemia, the most common of them are listed below. For example:
- Autoimmune disorders – Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and others, which may cause malabsorption.
- Infection and inflammation – In normal circumstances, the body requires more protein when a person has an infection or a disease that causes inflammation.
- Increased metabolism – A health condition or activity may speed up the metabolism, which makes the body need more protein.
- Kidney disease – Some people with nephrotic syndrome and other kidney disorders may also have reduced protein levels in the blood.
- Liver disease – There are some liver diseases (including cirrhosis) that negatively affect the liver’s ability to produce and use albumin.
- Malnutrition – In some cases, people may develop hypoproteinemia when their body does not get enough nutrients from food.
- Pregnancy – Sometimes, this condition may occur during pregnancy or breastfeeding because the body needs more protein during these periods.
What Are The Potential Complications of Hypoproteinemia?
People who ignore the symptoms and do not get treatment for hypoproteinemia may also experience the following complications. Check some examples below:
- Edema
- Muscle wasting – In more severe cases, the body may begin to break down the muscles to supply essential functions. It often leads to a noticeable loss of strength and lean muscle mass over time.
- Weakened immune system – Normally, the body relies on proteins to build antibodies and cytokines, which are very important for fighting infections. A deficiency significantly increases the risk of infections and recovery time.
- Delayed wound healing – If you have a deficiency of a specific type of protein called collagen, you may notice that a wound is healing too slowly.
- Brittle hair, skin, and nails – These body parts and organs are made up of proteins (including keratin and elastin). Reduced levels of these proteins may lead to thinning hair, ridges on the nails, and chronically dry and flaky skin.
- Brain fog – There are specific amino acids that are used by the body to produce neurotransmitters that regulate your mood, focus, and energy levels. A deficiency of these amino acids may cause extreme tiredness, confusion, and other health problems.
- Kwashiorkor – This is a type of malnutrition that occurs in people with severe protein deficiency.
The previous list does not contain all possible hypoproteinemia complications. In any case, you can consult with your healthcare professional about measures to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
Is There a Way to Prevent Hypoproteinemia?
While some people may prevent this condition with dietary changes, others may need more serious treatment because hypoproteinemia is caused by a serious condition (such as kidney disease).
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals usually diagnose this condition by performing blood tests. These include a comprehensive metabolic panel (including albumin levels) and a globulin blood test. Check the normal level of protein in the blood below:
- Total proteins – 6.3 to 8.0 g/dL (grams per deciliter)
- Albumin – 3.9 to 4.9 g/dL
- Globulin – 2.0 to 3.5 g/dL
Your doctor may also perform a total protein test to assess the albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio. Most of the time, people have slightly more albumin than globulins, and the normal A/G ratio is a little more than 1. If doctors suspect you have hypoproteinemia due to an underlying condition (such as a liver disease), they may perform additional tests.
Treatment
Usually, doctors prescribe different treatment options for people with hypoproteinemia because they depend on several factors. These include the severity, type, and exact cause of the condition, existing health problems, age, sex, and preferences. One of the primary options is dietary changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of low protein in the body?
People who have reduced levels of protein in the body often experience the following symptoms. These include brittle hair and nails, frequent infections, extreme tiredness, muscle wasting, and fluid retention. Do not hesitate to see a doctor if any of the previous symptoms appear.
What is the most common cause of hyperproteinemia?
While dehydration is the most common cause of high levels of protein in the blood, it may also happen due to other causes. Furthermore, hyperproteinemia may cause serious complications, including chronic (long-term) inflammation and infections, blood disorders, and others. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
Can hypoproteinemia be cured?
While most of the time this condition can be reversed by treating the underlying cause, it cannot be cured if it is caused by a chronic health condition or autoimmune disorder.
Can hypoproteinemia cause swelling?
Yes. Low protein levels, especially low albumin, reduce the blood’s ability to keep fluid inside the blood vessels. As a result, fluid can leak into surrounding tissues, causing swelling (edema) in the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or, in severe cases, throughout the body.
What foods can help increase protein levels?
Protein-rich foods such as lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, lentils, soy products, nuts, and seeds can help improve protein intake. However, if hypoproteinemia is caused by a kidney disease, liver disease, or another medical condition, your healthcare provider may recommend a specialized diet instead of simply increasing protein consumption.
Is hypoproteinemia the same as hypoalbuminemia?
No. Hypoproteinemia refers to low levels of total protein in the blood, while hypoalbuminemia specifically means that albumin levels are below normal. Because albumin makes up a large portion of the blood’s proteins, hypoalbuminemia is one of the most common causes of hypoproteinemia.
Who is at higher risk of developing hypoproteinemia?
People with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, cancer, severe burns, malnutrition, or conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption have a higher risk of developing hypoproteinemia. Older adults and people recovering from major surgery may also be more susceptible.
Can hypoproteinemia affect children?
Yes. Children can develop hypoproteinemia due to severe malnutrition, digestive disorders that reduce nutrient absorption, kidney disease, or certain inherited conditions. Because protein is essential for normal growth and development, untreated hypoproteinemia in children may lead to delayed growth, poor weight gain, and increased susceptibility to infections.
How long does it take to recover from hypoproteinemia?
Recovery depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Mild cases caused by poor nutrition may improve within a few weeks after dietary changes, while cases related to chronic diseases may require long-term treatment and ongoing monitoring to maintain healthy protein levels.
When should I seek medical attention for hypoproteinemia?
You should seek medical attention if you experience persistent swelling, unexplained weight loss, severe fatigue, frequent infections, yellowing of the skin or eyes (also known as jaundice), shortness of breath (dyspnea), or other symptoms that may suggest low blood protein levels. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve long-term outcomes. If you have any other questions, ask your healthcare provider.
