Symptoms of protein deficiency?

[mattjule]

I am 21 wks pregnant and have been feeling strange lately. I am trying to figure out if it is because I have not been eating enough protein or if I am becoming anemic. I can't seem to find any info on what the symptoms of protein deficiency are. Anyone know?

[pamamidwife]

Women that don't get enough protein are often addicted to sugar. The body is searching for quick fixes of energy, since the protein stores are not there, so it's easy with sugar and simple carbs.

Anemic women feel extremely tired, get out of breath easy and their conjuctiva (pull down your lower lid) is very pale pink, almost white.

If you start taking a great supplement like Floradex and feel better within a day, you can assume that you needed extra iron.

[veganmamma]

If you are anemic, adding iron is the beginning step, to make red blood cells you need protein, iron, vitamin C, folate and B12. Best to beef up all areas, but remember not to hyperdose vitamin C as dropping off suddenly can actually induce scurvy!! :eek Hope you feel better soon. :love

[Greaseball]

I've wondered if I have a deficiency, because even though I eat about 80g of protein a day, my nails are really raggedy.

[veganmamma]

Some old timer dermatologists are really good at diagnosing by fingernails. Some ridges indicate heart problems, some ridges indicate kidney problems, etc., so you might check that out too. You can always add protein, 80 grams is generally a minimum recommendation. :)