What problems can protein deficiency cause in body?

People with protein deficiency in their diet are much more likely to develop infectious diseases, nutritionist-endocrinologist Elena Shchetinina and nutritionist Natalia Kruglova say.

"If there is not enough animal protein in the diet, the immunocompetent system will suffer, so such people are more prone to various infections, viral and non-viral. Since plant protein is incomplete and the defense factor will not work well. B vitamins are also involved in building the immunocompetent system. Their deficiency can manifest itself as, for example, rashes on the skin," Shchetinina told Ura.ru.

Kruglova says that a complete diet should include 50% protein of animal origin and the same amount of vegetable protein. Legumes, for instance, can be a source of vegetable protein.

For people who adhere to a vegetarian or vegan diet, experts also recommend including in the diet products containing vitamin B12, because they, as a rule, have a deficit of this vitamin.