Yes, a severe lack of protein can cause anemia. Anemia is a condition characterized by a shortage of healthy red blood cells or a low level of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Here’s why protein deficiency can lead to anemia:

• Hemoglobin is a protein: Hemoglobin is a complex protein molecule. Without an adequate supply of protein from your diet, your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin. This directly leads to a reduced ability to transport oxygen throughout the body, which is the definition of anemia.
• Red blood cell production: Protein is also a fundamental building block for all cells, including the red blood cells themselves. A severe protein deficiency can impair the body’s ability to produce new red blood cells in the bone marrow, contributing to anemia.

While iron deficiency is the most common cause of nutritional anemia worldwide, other deficiencies, including a lack of protein, vitamin B12, and folate, can also be significant contributing factors. In severe cases, such as in individuals with protein-energy malnutrition, anemia is a common and serious complication.

My individual biochemistry is such that I need meat to remain vital and at a healthy body weight.