Protein digestion disorders refer to conditions affecting the body’s ability to break down and absorb protein. Proteins are essential macronutrients that provide the building blocks for tissues, enzymes, hormones, and other important molecules in the body.
Some other common disorders of protein digestion include:
In several developing countries like South Africa, the percentage of protein intake has dropped significantly, resulting in malnutrition.
The symptoms can greatly vary depending on your disorder type, as they are digestion disorders. However, the following are some symptoms most people with protein digestion disorder experience.
These symptoms are not specific to protein digestion disorders and can also be caused by many other conditions.
Generally, these disorders may have various hereditary and environmental causes including:
As mentioned earlier, the pancreas produces enzymes needed to break down protein. A deficiency in these enzymes can result in the malabsorption of protein and lead to protein digestion disorders.
Celiac disease is an example of an autoimmune disorder that can affect protein digestion. High gluten eating may trigger an immune response in the small intestine. This response can cause malabsorption of nutrients, including protein.
Surgery involving the gastrointestinal tract removes a part of the small intestine. This affects the body’s ability to absorb protein and other nutrients.
Certain chronic infections (H. pylori or parasitic infections) can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, interfering with protein absorption.
Genetics can be a risk factor as some protein digestion disorders are caused by genetic mutations that affect the production of digestive enzymes, such as cystic fibrosis or hereditary pancreatitis. People who have had gastrointestinal surgery, especially involving the stomach or small intestine, are at increased risk of developing protein digestion disorders.
Age and lifestyle choices can also play a role in developing disorders of protein digestion.
The healthcare professional may conduct blood tests to check for protein levels in the blood, stool tests to evaluate for malabsorption of protein, and imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract.
Endoscopic procedures such as an upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, or biopsy may also be necessary to further evaluate the digestive tract and confirm a diagnosis.
If timely treatment isn’t taken for disorders of protein digestion, the result will be malnutrition, weight loss, weakness, and anaemia.
People with pancreatic insufficiency may benefit from taking digestive enzyme supplements with their meals to aid in protein digestion.
Moreover, a healthcare professional or dietitian can recommend a high-protein, low-fat diet that is easy to digest and absorb. Avoiding processed and high-fat foods, as well as limiting or eliminating alcohol and caffeine, may also help prevent the disorders.