Nutrient Deficiency Diseases - Protein (amino Acid) Deficiencies

Proteins are needed in the body for amino acids. Proteins are broken down in the digestive system to form amino acids which are then absorbed by the rest of the body to form new proteins in the form of vital body tissues such as muscle, connective tissue, and skin. There are two types of protein, fibrous and globular proteins. Fibrous protein is insoluble and goes into making the structural tissues of the body. Globular protein forms amino acids that become enzymes and hormones and other vital parts of cellular functioning within the body.

Adults rarely suffer from protein deficiency diseases unless there is an impairment in the intestinal tract, but in countries plagued by insufficient food children will develop protein deficiency diseases that lead to very high mortality rates.