| Protein | |||||
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Protein is one of the three macronutrients required in relatively large amounts in the diet each day. The other two are carbohydrates and fats.
Protein's structure is just basically a lot of amino acids joined together in a chain formation. When protein foods are digested, they are broken down in the amino acids that are the foundation of them.
The amino acids in protein foods are classes as either:
- Essential amino acids - there are 9 essential amino acids which need to be consumed every day in specific portions as the body cannot produce them by any other method
- Non-essential amino acids - the non-essential amino acids are not essential to be consumed every day as the body can produce them from the essential amino acids or other means
- Protein makes up about 50% of the body that is not composed of water
- Protein is part of various structural parts of the body (such as muscle, bones, fingernails, hair and skin)
- Vegetarians needs to be careful to obtain the right balance of protein in their diet through food combinations
Protein is extremely important for the body as the amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein is required to produce further proteins in the body for various important functions:
- Energy - can be used as a source of energy
- Enzymes - used to create digestive enzymes such as amylase and pepsin
- Fluid balance regulation - both inside and outside the cells through a protein called albunmin
- Growth and maintenance - for muscles, skin, bones, hair
- Hormones - used to create many hormones, such as insulin, glucagon
- Immunity - most of the immune system is made up of proteins
- pH regulation - by releasing hydrogen ions to maintain correct pH levels in the body
- Transportation - many lipid substances need a protein to transport them through the blood
Last reviewed: 30 September 2007 || Last updated: 14 March 2010
Related Articles
references
- McGuire M, Beerman KA, Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, 2007 Thomson Wadsworth USA
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E, Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition 7th Edition, 2006 Thomson Wadsworth USA
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
- Dieticians Association of Australia
- Nutrient Reference Values (Australia)
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
