Low Protein in Blood: Why It Happens and How to Stay Healthy

Many people see proteins as something that helps build big muscles. Protein does more than helping to lift weights in the fitness center. The body requires protein each day to be active and healthy.

If you’re not getting enough of what your body needs, it could lead to grave health issues. One such issue is a lack of protein in the blood. This is known as hypoproteinemia.

We’ll explore what it means, the reason it’s happening, and the ways you can prevent it from happening to you.

What Does “Low Protein in Blood” Mean?

The blood of a person isn’t composed only of white and red blood cells. They also contain proteins that are found within the liquid component of your blood, referred to as plasma.

These proteins are important because they:

• Transport hormones, vitamins, and minerals wherever needed
• Stop fluids from leaking out of blood vessels into different tissues
• Keep your organs and tissues healthy

When there’s not enough protein in your bloodstream, physicians identify it as hypoproteinemia. (“hypo” means low, “protein,” and “emia” refers to blood).

The most commonly used blood-based protein is albumin. Doctors often test albumin levels to determine if the body is getting enough total protein.

Why Does the Body Need Protein?

Protein is the body’s building material. Imagine that building a house would require blocks, wood, nails, and cement. Protein functions like these materials combined.

What does protein do?

• Repairs and builds muscles and tissues
  • For example, if you get a cut, protein helps heal your skin.
• Maintains the strength of your immune system
  • Proteins create antibodies that help fight infections and viruses.
• Carries oxygen in your blood
  • Proteins like hemoglobin help transport oxygen so your body can produce energy.
• Keeps your fluids in equilibrium
  • Proteins help keep liquids in your blood vessels instead of leaking into tissues.
• Helps produce hormones and enzymes
  • These regulate vital functions like digestion and development.
• Maintains your nails, hair, and skin health
  • Without sufficient protein, hair can become thin, and skin can appear unhealthy.

Without enough protein, these important functions begin to fail, leading to health issues.

What Causes Low Protein in Blood?

The two main causes for your blood proteins to be insufficient are:

1. Not Getting Enough Protein From Food

If you’re not eating enough protein-rich food, your body can’t produce the necessary substances to make blood proteins.

This can happen because of:

• Eating a lot of sugary or starchy foods without enough protein
• Following a strict diet to lose weight
• Living in areas where residents lack access to nutritious food (malnutrition)
• Being on a vegetarian or vegan diet without planning sufficient plant-based proteins

Example: Imagine a teen who loves chips, instant noodles, and sugary drinks all day, and has no time for eggs, meat, or beans. Over time, they may not be getting enough protein.

2. Losing Protein From the Body

Even if you eat enough protein, your body might lose it due to health problems. Here’s how:

Kidney Disease

Healthy kidneys remove waste from the blood and keep good things like proteins in. If your kidneys become damaged, they could leak protein into the urine.

Example: Patients with diabetic kidney disease may notice frothy urine, which is a sign of protein loss.

Liver Disease

The liver is the main source of proteins circulating in the blood. When the liver is damaged (like in hepatitis or cirrhosis), it can’t produce enough proteins.

Example: People with liver disease often experience leg swelling or a swollen belly due to low albumin levels.

Digestive Disorders

The intestines absorb protein from the foods you eat. Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and frequent diarrhea can damage your intestines and reduce protein absorption.

Example: Someone with celiac disease might have diarrhea whenever they eat gluten, leading to poor nutrient absorption.

Burns or Injuries

Severe burns and serious injuries can cause tissue damage, leading to protein loss from the damaged skin and wounds.

Chronic Illness or Inflammation

Chronic illnesses like cancer can increase your body’s demand for protein or even cause muscle breakdown to produce energy.

Heart Failure

If your heart isn’t pumping effectively, fluid can build up in your body and dilute blood proteins, making them appear low.

What Are the Signs of Low Protein Levels?

A decrease in blood proteins often develops gradually, so people might not notice it right away. Over time, you may see the following signs:

Swelling (Edema)

One of the most common signs is swelling, especially in:

• Ankles and feet
• Legs
• Hands
• Face

This happens because proteins like albumin help keep fluid inside blood vessels. Without enough protein, fluid leaks into tissues and causes puffiness.

Example: People might notice sock marks around their ankles or that their shoes feel tight by day’s end.

Muscle Weakness and Wasting

Muscles are largely made of proteins. Without enough, the body breaks down muscle tissue to get the protein it needs.

This can cause:

• Weakness
• Shrinking muscles
• Trouble lifting objects or climbing stairs

Example: An older person might struggle to rise from a chair because their muscles have weakened.

Fatigue and Low Energy

Low protein affects how oxygen moves through your body. You might feel:

• Tired even after sleeping well
• Lightheaded or dizzy
• Short of breath with minimal effort

Hair, Skin, and Nail Changes

Protein is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Without enough protein:

• Hair may thin, become dry, or fall out
• Skin may look dry, flaky, or heal slowly
• Nails might become weak, thin, or develop ridges

Frequent Infections

Proteins create antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria. Without enough protein, your immune system becomes weaker, making you:

• More likely to get sick
• Heal more slowly from cuts or surgery

Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

People with low protein might feel:

• Uninterested in food
• Nauseated
• Losing weight without trying

Mood and Memory Changes

Proteins help make neurotransmitters, chemicals your brain uses to regulate mood, focus, and sleep. Without enough protein, you could experience:

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Trouble remembering things
• Anxiety

How Do Doctors Diagnose Low Protein?

Doctors check for low blood protein by:

• Performing blood tests to measure albumin and total protein levels
• Conducting urine tests to see if protein is leaking through the kidneys
• Checking kidney and liver function
• Looking for diseases like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or bacterial infections

How Is Low Protein Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Insufficient protein intake: Doctors may advise eating more protein-rich foods.
• Liver or kidney disease: Treating the underlying cause may help.
• Digestive issues: Doctors might suggest specific supplements or diets.
• Severe cases: Patients may need intravenous protein in the hospital.

How Much Protein Do You Need Each Day?

The amount of protein needed depends on your weight, age, and health.

General guideline:

Adults need 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight each day.

Example:

Someone weighing 50 kg needs about 40 grams of protein daily.

Seniors, athletes, or people recovering from illness may need more (1.0–1.5 grams per kilogram).

Best Protein-Rich Foods

Including protein-rich foods in your diet can help keep blood protein levels normal. Good options include:

• Meat: chicken, beef, lamb, turkey
• Fish: salmon, tuna, shrimp, sardines
• Eggs
• Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt
• Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, beans, soybeans, soy products
• Nuts and seeds: almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds
• Whole grains: quinoa, oats

Vegans and vegetarians can meet their protein needs by eating a variety of plant-based protein sources daily.

Can You Prevent Low Protein Levels?

Yes—in many cases! You can protect yourself by:

• Eating protein at every meal
• Avoiding extreme or crash diets
• Managing chronic conditions like kidney disease or diabetes
• Talking to your doctor if you notice fatigue, swelling, or weight loss

FAQs About Low Protein and Hypoproteinemia

Q1: Is it possible to have low blood protein even with a healthy diet?

Yes. Kidney disease, liver disorders, and digestive problems can cause protein loss even if you’re eating enough.

Q2: Does low protein always cause swelling?

No. Swelling can result from many causes, including heart disease and blood clots. However, low protein is a common cause, especially if swelling occurs in both legs.

Q3: How long does it take to restore low protein levels?

It depends on the cause. If it’s due to diet, it might improve in weeks. For medical conditions, treatment may take longer.

Q4: Can children have low protein?

Yes. Children with poor diets or certain diseases can develop low blood protein levels. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling, and stunted growth.

Q5: Do I need protein shakes or supplements?

Most likely not. Most people get enough protein from food. If you’re struggling to get enough, your doctor might suggest supplements.

Final Thoughts

Protein helps keep your body running smoothly, from your muscles to your immune system. Low blood protein—hypoproteinemia—can cause weakness, swelling, and infections.

The good news? A balanced, protein-rich diet and treating underlying illnesses can help maintain healthy protein levels.

If you feel tired, notice swelling, or lose weight unexpectedly, talk to your doctor. Your body deserves the strength that protein provides!