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Protein distribution, functions, demand, shortage and excess

Homepage Articles Protein distribution, functions, demand, shortage and excess

Protein distribution, functions, demand, shortage and excess

Protein is one of the basic building blocks of energy and building materials -- proteins make up about 20 percent of the human body's dry weight -- and this article describes what protein is, its functions, sources, and the consequences of excess and deficiency in the daily diet.

Table of Contents

1. Definition and basic distribution of proteins

It's a multi-molecular nitrogen compound made up of amino acids that are bonded together by peptide bonds. Protein consists of nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, sulfur, and hydrogen. We call these proteins simple. Those that are also bonded with other ingredients that are not at the same time an amino acid, we call compound proteins.

2. The physiological functions of proteins

One of the most basic functions of proteins is the building block function. Proteins are a component of every living organism's cell, they're essential to growth and development. Another very important function of protein is to provide energy, 1 g of protein provides about 4 calories. The human body breaks down and synthesizes proteins every day, so it's one of the three basic energy components of the diet. As mentioned above, proteins are integral to every living cell, but not only.

3. The body's need for protein

Protein is constantly being exchanged in the body, which is why it is necessary to supplement it daily with the diet. Each person has an individual need for protein. In addition to the amount of protein, attention should also be paid to its quality. This involves the need to supply all the essential amino acids.

4. Energy demand

According to Polish standards, the corresponding level of protein fluctuates within the limits of 1020% of the daily energy requirement. In grams it is 0.81 g/kg of body weight in adults (women and men). At the very beginning, it is necessary to estimate how many kilocalories a person should provide during the day, taking into account their gender, age, height, body weight and physical activity and calculate the percentage of protein on this basis.

5. Physiological status and age

When estimating the appropriate amount of protein, it is also important to determine the physiological state. This is necessary because physiological states such as pregnancy or lactation require a higher protein intake. It is caused by the construction of new cells, including the developing fetus, the fetal membranes, an increase in fat-free weight.

6. Health status

The need for protein increases after the disease has passed. Increased protein intake is intended to cover the loss of lean (muscle) body weight that has occurred as a result of the disease. However, sometimes in kidney disease, with their failure, the amount of protein needs to be significantly reduced in order to improve the functioning of these organs.

7. Body weight

For example, a woman with a body weight of 60 kg should provide 48 g of protein per day, since 1 kg of her body weight is about 0.8 g protein.

8. It's physical activity

People who exercise very frequently and intensely can and should increase their protein intake during the day. This is due to the increase in lean body weight and the need to repair the muscle micro-damages associated with intense physical activity. In endurance athletes, the recommended intake of protein is 1, 21, 4 g/kg body weight, while resistance-strength 1, 41, 8 g/ kg body weight/day.

9. The nutritional value of protein

It is important to determine the quality of protein needed and to include in the diet products that are able to meet the demand for all essential amino acids.

10. Sources of protein in food

At the outset, it should be mentioned that there are two types of proteins Why full-value and incomplete proteins provide all the essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own. Furthermore, full-valued proteins supply the amino acid in such proportions that the organism is able to make the most of it for the synthesis of dietary proteins, growth processes and nitrogen balance. Protein incomplete refers to compounds that are not used to synthesise the body's exogenous proteins.

11. Consequences of lack or excess protein in the diet

In healthy people, protein deficiencies occur very rarely and are usually the result of a poorly balanced diet. However, in Poland, as in most countries around the world, the opposite situation may be observed, i.e. increased intake of this macronutrient. Inadequate protein intake is most often observed with increased organisational demand caused by stress, infection or increased loss of protein as a result of inflammation, diarrhoea or bleeding. It is also worth noting that one very important thing exists.
Source

Normy żywienia dla populacji polskiej – nowelizacja, pod red. Jarosza M., Warszawa 2017.
Ciborowska H., Rudnicka A., Dietetyka. Żywienie zdrowego i chorego człowieka, Warszawa 2007.