Proteins are essential for our bodies, playing crucial roles in building tissues, providing energy, and maintaining fluid balance. They're the building blocks of life, constructing muscles , organs, and even enzymes that catalyze metabolic reactions.
Getting enough protein is vital for optimal health. The recommended daily intake for adults is 0.8 g/kg body weight. Protein quality matters too, with complete proteins containing all essential amino acids . Adequate protein intake can even help prevent chronic diseases.
Protein in Human Nutrition and Health
Roles of proteins in nutrition
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Protein Metabolism · Anatomy and Physiology View original
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2.23 Protein Structure | Nutrition View original
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Builds and repairs tissues
Constructs muscles, organs, skin, hair, and nails
Produces enzymes catalyzing metabolic reactions
Synthesizes hormones regulating bodily functions (insulin)
Creates antibodies defending the immune system
Provides energy
Supplies 4 calories per gram of protein
Enables gluconeogenesis converting amino acids to glucose during prolonged fasting or starvation
Maintains fluid balance
Balances albumin and globulins in blood plasma
Regulates osmotic pressure
Transports nutrients and molecules
Carries oxygen via hemoglobin
Moves lipids using lipoproteins
Delivers iron with transferrin
Protein intake for health
Requires adequate protein intake for optimal health
Recommends Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 0.8 g/kg body weight/day for adults
Increases requirements for growth, pregnancy, lactation, and recovery from illness or injury
Considers protein quality and digestibility
Contains essential amino acids histidine , isoleucine , leucine , lysine , methionine , phenylalanine , threonine , tryptophan , and valine
Classifies complete proteins containing all essential amino acids in sufficient amounts (animal-based proteins, quinoa , soy )
Identifies incomplete proteins lacking one or more essential amino acids (most plant-based proteins)
Measures protein quality using Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) based on amino acid composition and digestibility
Evaluates biological value to determine protein quality based on essential amino acid content and digestibility
Links protein intake to chronic disease prevention
Supports cardiovascular health by replacing saturated fats with plant-based proteins reducing heart disease risk
Promotes weight management as high-protein diets increase satiety and weight loss
Maintains bone health with adequate protein intake supporting bone mineral density and reducing osteoporosis risk
Cautions against risks of excessive protein intake
Strains kidneys, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease
Potentially increases certain cancer risks (colorectal cancer) with high consumption of red and processed meats
Explains protein structure
Describes amino acids as building blocks of proteins
Illustrates how amino acids are joined by peptide bonds to form protein chains
Discusses protein metabolism
Explains nitrogen balance as the difference between nitrogen intake and excretion
Describes protein denaturation as the alteration of protein structure due to heat, acid, or other factors
Explores protein combinations
Defines complementary proteins as combinations of incomplete protein sources that together provide all essential amino acids
Addressing protein deficiency
Identifies at-risk groups
Recognizes children in developing countries
Includes elderly individuals with reduced appetite or impaired digestion
Considers vegetarians and vegans without proper meal planning
Encompasses individuals with eating disorders or chronic illnesses
Provides nutrition education and counseling
Emphasizes the importance of protein in the diet
Teaches meal planning and food combination strategies ensuring adequate intake of essential amino acids
Encourages consumption of high-quality protein sources (lean meats, legumes)
Implements food fortification and supplementation
Fortifies staple foods with essential amino acids (lysine-fortified wheat)
Provides protein-rich food supplements (peanut butter, milk powder)
Considers using essential amino acid supplements in severe deficiency cases
Addresses underlying socioeconomic factors
Improves access to affordable, high-quality protein sources
Supports sustainable agriculture and livestock production
Implements poverty reduction strategies improving overall nutrition status