UNDERSTANDING IMMUNE-SYSTEM TESTS: PROTEIN
One of the most important things we doctors can evalaute in the blood is protein. The enzyme systems that keep the body running depend on protein. And the immune system cells, like all cells, can’t exist without protein.
“But, Dr. Fox,” some patients protest, “didn’t you say that the average person gets too much protein?” Yes, I do feel that most of us take in plenty of protein. Still, protein malnutrition is seen in hospitalized patients, those with colitis, cancer, pancreatitis, chronic illnesses, in alcoholics, persons on fad diets, people taking drugs and others. Protein calorie malnutririon (PCM) is more common than one would think it would be in the Western world. Unfortunatly, it’s an often overlooked medical-nutritional problem.
Twenty-five to 50 percent of all adults admitted to a hospital for medical or surgical reasons develop signs of PCM within two weeks after admission. I have seen many patients living on nothing but intravenous solutions of five percent glucose in water for a week, ten days, or many weeks.
PCM can occur even where there is plenty of food to eat. There may be excessive food, but it is of limited variety and very low in protein. Years ago a 35-year-old woman was referred to me by another doctor. She complained of weakness and had anemia. Taking her personal and medical history, I learned that this mother of three small children was extremely poor. She and her children ate lots of potatoes
March 10, 2010
Understanding Immune-System Tests- Protein
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