The functions of proteins in our diet and the roles of protein in health and disease

 


Discuss common protein sources (both plant and animal) in our diets and the three types of amino acids (essential, non-essential, and conditionally essential). (USLO 6.1)
Outline process of protein digestion, absorption, and transportation in the body. (USLO 6.2)
Outline the functions of proteins in our diet and the roles of protein in health and disease (USLOs 6.3, 6.4)
Discuss the RDA values for proteins for you and your immediate family members. How did you do in meeting those RDA values based on your nutrient intake report? Discuss ways in which you can improve. (USLO 6.5)
Outline the following vegetarian diets and describe the pros and potential cons of each of these diets (USLO 6.6):
Nonvegetarian
Semivegetarian
Pescatarian
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
Lacto-Vegetarian

 

🥩 Protein Sources and Amino Acids

 

Protein is a macronutrient vital for building tissues, making enzymes, and many other functions.1 It is composed of building blocks called amino acids (AAs).2

 

 

Common Protein Sources

 

CategoryPlant SourcesAnimal Sources
Complete (Contain all 9 essential AAs)Soy products (tofu, edamame), Quinoa, AmaranthMeat (beef, pork, lamb), Poultry (chicken, turkey), Fish, Eggs, Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Incomplete (Must be combined to form a complete protein)Legumes (beans, lentils, peas), Grains (wheat, rice, oats), Nuts and Seeds, VegetablesGelatin (lacks tryptophan)

 

Three Types of Amino Acids

 

Essential Amino Acids (EAAs):

There are 9 essential amino acids.3

 

The body cannot synthesize them; they must be obtained through the diet.4

 

Examples: Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine.5

 

Non-Essential Amino Acids (NEAAs):

The body can synthesize these amino acids from other compounds, typically from essential amino acids or intermediates of energy metabolism.

Examples: Alanine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Serine.

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids (CEAAs):

These are usually non-essential but become essential under specific conditions (e.g., infancy, disease, stress, or trauma) when the body cannot produce them in adequate amounts.

Examples: Arginine, Cysteine, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Tyrosine.

 

🔬 Protein Digestion, Absorption, and Transportation

 

The process of breaking down protein begins in the stomach and ends with amino acid delivery to the cells.

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protein Sources and Amino Acids

 

Protein is a macronutrient vital for building tissues, making enzymes, and many other functions.1 It is composed of building blocks called amino acids (AAs).2

 

 

Common Protein Sources

 

CategoryPlant SourcesAnimal Sources
Complete (Contain all 9 essential AAs)Soy products (tofu, edamame), Quinoa, AmaranthMeat (beef, pork, lamb), Poultry (chicken, turkey), Fish, Eggs, Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Incomplete (Must be combined to form a complete protein)Legumes (beans, lentils, peas), Grains (wheat, rice, oats), Nuts and Seeds, VegetablesGelatin (lacks tryptophan)

 

 

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