What Should I Do If My Total Protein Is Low?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, nearly 40% of people in the United States may not be meeting their daily protein intake recommendations. If you've been informed that your total protein is low, it's a finding that warrants your attention, as it can indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the causes of low total protein and provides dietary and lifestyle strategies, emphasizing the importance of medical evaluation to address potential underlying health issues for proper management and recovery.

Key Points

Consult a Doctor: A low total protein reading requires medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause before starting any treatment.
Increase Protein Intake: Focus on incorporating a variety of high-quality protein sources, such as lean meats, eggs, fish, dairy, and legumes, into your diet.
Balance Your Diet: Ensure a balanced diet that includes a wide range of protein, fats, and carbohydrates for comprehensive nutritional support.
Consider Supplements: For certain conditions or dietary restrictions, protein supplements may help bridge the gap, but only with medical guidance.
Manage Underlying Conditions: If liver disease, kidney disease, or other inflammatory issues are the cause, treating the primary condition is essential for recovery.
Hydrate and Exercise: Adopting healthy lifestyle habits like staying hydrated and regular exercise can support overall protein synthesis and metabolic health.

Understanding Low Total Protein and Its Causes

Low total protein, also known as hypoproteinemia, refers to an insufficient level of protein in the blood. Your body relies on protein for countless functions, including building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and maintaining fluid balance. A total protein test measures two types of proteins: albumin and globulin.

There are several reasons why your total protein levels might be low, ranging from simple dietary issues to more complex medical conditions:

Nutritional Deficiency: The most straightforward cause is simply not consuming enough protein through your diet. This can affect vegans, vegetarians, or those with very restrictive eating habits.
Liver Disease: Your liver is responsible for synthesizing most blood proteins. If the liver is diseased or damaged, its ability to produce these proteins can be significantly impaired.
Kidney Disease: The kidneys filter waste from the blood. In certain kidney conditions, proteins can leak from the blood into the urine, leading to excessive protein loss.
Inflammatory Conditions: Chronic inflammatory diseases, burns, and other inflammatory states can affect protein metabolism and lead to low levels.
Malabsorption: Digestive disorders like Crohn's disease or celiac disease can prevent your body from properly absorbing nutrients, including protein, from food.
Malnutrition or Eating Disorders: Both can result in inadequate protein intake or nutrient deficiency.
Pregnancy: Protein needs increase significantly during pregnancy, and if not met, it can result in lower protein levels.

Actionable Steps to Address Low Total Protein

Step 1: Consult a Healthcare Professional

Before making any drastic changes, it is crucial to consult a doctor. They will interpret your total protein test results and may order additional tests to identify the underlying cause. For instance, a doctor might test for liver or kidney function to pinpoint the source of the problem. A mild deficiency might be treated with simple dietary changes, while more severe cases require management of the root medical condition. A registered dietitian can also provide personalized guidance.

Step 2: Focus on Increasing Dietary Protein

For many, increasing dietary protein is the primary treatment. A balanced diet rich in high-quality protein sources is key. It's beneficial to spread your protein intake throughout the day to maximize absorption.

High-Quality Protein Sources to Include:

Lean Meats: Chicken, turkey, lean beef.
Fish: Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish.
Eggs: A complete protein source packed with nutrients.
Dairy Products: Greek yogurt, cheese, and milk.
Legumes: Lentils, beans, and chickpeas.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds.
Tofu and Tempeh: Excellent plant-based sources of complete protein.

Step 3: Consider Protein Supplements

In some cases, particularly for those with absorption issues or very high protein needs, supplements may be recommended. Protein powder, such as whey, casein, or plant-based varieties, can help bridge the gap in dietary intake. Always discuss supplementation with your doctor or dietitian before starting.

Step 4: Manage Underlying Health Conditions

If your low total protein is caused by a medical condition, addressing that condition is the most important step. This might involve specific medications for liver or kidney disease, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other targeted treatments. Effective management of a chronic condition is essential for long-term protein level regulation.

Step 5: Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Complementing your dietary changes with a healthy lifestyle can support your body's ability to utilize protein. Regular exercise, especially resistance training, helps preserve and build muscle mass, which relies on protein. Staying adequately hydrated and managing stress also contribute to overall metabolic health.

Comparison of Protein Sources: Animal vs. Plant-Based


Feature	Animal-Based Protein	Plant-Based Protein
Complete Protein	Most sources are complete, containing all essential amino acids.	Many sources are incomplete, requiring a variety to get all essential amino acids.
Iron Content	High in heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body.	Contains non-heme iron, which is less easily absorbed.
Fiber Content	Contains no dietary fiber.	Generally rich in dietary fiber.
Nutrient Profile	Rich in Vitamin B12, often contains saturated fats.	Provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with lower saturated fat.
Fat Content	Varies widely; can be high in saturated fat (e.g., red meat).	Typically lower in total fat and saturated fat.
Environmental Impact	Generally higher environmental footprint due to farming.	Significantly lower environmental impact.

Conclusion

Discovering that your total protein is low can be a concern, but it is a manageable condition. The first and most critical step is to work with a healthcare professional to identify and address the underlying cause, whether it's dietary or medical. For many, increasing the intake of high-quality protein-rich foods, both animal and plant-based, will be a cornerstone of the treatment plan. Supplements and lifestyle adjustments can provide further support. By taking a proactive, informed approach, you can restore your protein levels and improve your overall health.

For more detailed information on protein requirements and nutritional guidelines, you can consult the official Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Frequently Asked Questions

A normal total protein range is typically between 6.3 and 8.2 g/dL, but this can vary slightly by lab. Levels below 6.3 g/dL are generally considered low, though a doctor will interpret results based on individual health context.

Common symptoms can include fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, swelling (edema), increased hunger, and a weakened immune system.

If a low protein level is solely due to dietary insufficiency, increasing intake through food is often effective. However, if an underlying medical condition is the cause, diet alone may not be enough, and medical treatment is necessary.

The timeframe for increasing total protein levels depends on the underlying cause. For dietary deficiencies, improvements may be seen in weeks, while for medical conditions, it can take months as the root problem is addressed.

Both animal and plant sources can be excellent for increasing protein. Animal sources often provide complete protein with all essential amino acids, while plant-based diets require a variety of sources to ensure you get a full spectrum.

Yes, low total protein can often be reversed and managed effectively once the underlying cause is properly identified and treated. This may require ongoing management of chronic conditions or consistent dietary changes.

You should see a doctor as soon as you receive a test result indicating low protein. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe swelling, sudden weight loss, or persistent fatigue.