Protein Status

Authored by Chris McDermott, APRN, practicing with autonomous authority in Florida

Introduction

Proteins are the foundational building blocks of the human body, playing a critical role in nearly every physiological function—from cellular repair and immune defense to hormone production and enzymatic activity. Maintaining optimal protein status is essential for health, yet many individuals suffer from protein deficiencies or excesses that may go undetected until symptoms become clinically significant.

At Intercoastal Health, we take a functional medicine practitioner approach to evaluating protein status. Rather than relying solely on dietary intake, we utilize biomarker analysis, clinical context, and lifestyle patterns to develop personalized nutrition plans that address root causes and support long-term metabolic health.

The Role of Protein in the Body

Protein is one of the three primary macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and fats. It is composed of amino acids—nine of which are essential and must be consumed through the diet.
Protein is involved in:

• Tissue repair and muscle growth
  
• Hormone and enzyme production
  
• Immune system function
  
• Nutrient transport (e.g., hemoglobin, Albumin)
  
• Cell signaling and metabolic regulation
  
  

Because proteins are constantly broken down and rebuilt, maintaining a steady dietary supply and efficient metabolic processing is crucial for optimal function across all body systems.

Signs and Symptoms of Protein Imbalance

Protein imbalance may manifest in various ways depending on whether there is a deficiency or excess. In functional medicine, we evaluate early and subtle clinical signs before overt lab abnormalities arise.

Signs of Protein Deficiency:

• Muscle wasting or sarcopenia
  
• Fatigue or poor exercise recovery
  
• Brittle nails and thinning hair
  
• Edema (fluid retention) due to low Albumin
  
• Impaired immune function: Frequent infections or slow wound healing
  
• Skin issues: Dryness, thinning, or rashes
  
• Mood disturbances or cognitive fog
  
• Delayed growth in children and adolescents
  
  

Signs of Excessive Protein Intake:

• Kidney strain: Especially in those with pre-existing Chronic Kidney Disease
  
• Digestive symptoms: Constipation, bloating, or nausea
  
• Dehydration: Protein metabolism increases fluid demand
  
• Poor nutrient balance: Overemphasis on protein may displace fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
  
• Liver dysfunction: Increased urea cycle activity may stress hepatic detox pathways
  
  

A personalized assessment is essential, as both under- and overconsumption can impair long-term health.

Laboratory Evaluation and Functional Biomarkers

At Intercoastal Health, we use clinical biomarkers to assess both the quantity and quality of protein status, looking beyond basic intake to evaluate metabolic efficiency, absorption, and utilization.

Additional tests include urinalysis for Nephrolithiasis (proteinuria) and plasma or urine amino acid profiles.

Causes of Protein Imbalance

Understanding the root cause of a protein imbalance allows for targeted treatment. In functional medicine, we consider nutritional, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and systemic contributors.

Common Causes of Protein Deficiency:

• Inadequate intake: Low-protein diets or poor food access
  
• Increased demand: Healing, growth phases, intense training
  
• Gastrointestinal disorders: celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, chronic pancreatitis
  
• Liver dysfunction: Impaired protein synthesis
  
• Nephrotic syndrome: Protein loss through urine
  
• Chronic inflammation: Suppressed albumin production
  
  

Common Causes of Excessive Protein Intake:

• High-protein fad diets
  
• Overuse of protein supplements
  
• Poor hydration or compromised renal clearance
  
• Impaired hepatic detox capacity
  
  

Health Conditions Related to Protein Imbalance

Protein balance is tightly linked with muscle preservation, immune response, recovery, and metabolic function. Imbalances contribute to or worsen several chronic conditions.

Functional Medicine Interventions to Optimize Protein Status

At Intercoastal Health, we design individualized care plans based on comprehensive assessment—not assumptions. Strategies include:

1. Nutritional Optimization
   
   • Calculate protein needs (0.8–1.2 g/kg/day; higher in recovery or older adults)
     
   • Ensure complete proteins or plant-based combinations
     
   • Balance macronutrients to prevent gluconeogenesis
     
2. Support Digestion and Absorption
   
   • Evaluate for low stomach acid or pancreatic insufficiency
     
   • Use digestive enzymes or HCl support if indicated
     
   • Rule out gut inflammation or malabsorption
     
3. Address Renal or Liver Stress
   
   • Monitor kidney function (BUN, Creatinine) if proteinuria present
     
   • Support urea cycle with B vitamins, NAC, and hydration
     
   • Limit protein in advanced renal or hepatic disease
     
4. Supplementation (When Appropriate)
   
   • Whey protein isolate for bioavailability
     
   • Collagen peptides for connective tissue support
     
   • BCAAs in sarcopenia or catabolism
     
   • Always assess quality, dosage, and interactions
     
     

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular follow-up ensures long-term results and helps adjust recommendations as needs change:

• Annual serum Total Protein and albumin panels
  
• Body composition analysis for sarcopenia risk
  
• Functional muscle strength assessments
  
• Review of dietary logs for balance