Proteins, also called proteins, describe a third indispensable group of nutrients in addition to carbohydrates and fats. They serve less as an energy supplier, rather they are irreplaceable building blocks for the human body.
What is protein (protein)?
Proteins are vital and complex building materials for the human organism. The macromolecules consisting of amino acids perform important functions such as in cell structure or as a means of transport. Proteins in the human body are composed of 21 different amino acids. Combined with each other in different ways, a protein structure is formed that determines the respective function in the body. Amino acids can be divided into essential and non-essential amino acids. The latter can be produced by the body itself. The eight essential amino acids, on the other hand, must be ingested with food, as they perform vital functions in the metabolism. Animal proteins are more similar to human proteins than vegetable proteins, which is why they are of greater importance in nutrition. The spatial structure as well as the surface structure of proteins also plays an important role in their mode of action.
Importance and function
The body can build a whole range of important substances from proteins. Many of these substances are responsible for important metabolic processes. For example, the regulation of cell division or the control of some genes falls to proteins. The most common type of proteins is found in enzymes and hormones. With their help, almost all vital metabolic processes are controlled and maintained. Proteins are largely responsible for the structure of the body. As so-called structural proteins, they determine the structure of a cell. They give bones, connective tissue and the skin their structure and ultimately their appearance. In the muscles, they provide myosins and actins for the contractions of the muscle and thus for the ability to move. They also play an important role in the protective and defensive functions of the body. They are an integral part of antibodies and thus a vital basic substance in the defense against harmful substances and pathogens. In the form of fibrinogen and thrombin, they play an important role in protecting the body during blood clotting. As transport agents such as hemoglobin or myoglobin, they take over the transport of various substances such as iron, oxygen or even vitamins. On the other hand, they have a less important function as reserve substances. If the body is not sufficiently supplied with food, proteins can also be converted into energy. Since protein is found in larger quantities in the muscles, spleen and liver, the body quickly attacks the muscles when there is an undersupply.
Dangers, disorders, risks and diseases
The diverse range of tasks performed by protein makes an adequate supply vital. In industrialized nations, an undersupply occurs only very rarely. Only with strongly protein-reduced nutrition it can come to deficiency symptoms. The normal daily requirement of about 10g per kilogram of body weight is usually covered by the daily diet. In regions with severe famine, however, protein deficiency is common. If the body lacks protein, this first becomes noticeable through a drop in performance. Concentration decreases, fatigue and muscle weakness increase. Frequently, hair loss and muscle loss occur. A lack of protein is also responsible for a faster aging process. If the body lacks important proteins, the immune system is weakened in the long term, as sufficient antibodies can no longer be formed. The susceptibility to infections increases and the body is additionally weakened. If there is a massive protein deficiency, water retention, so-called edema, occurs more frequently. Due to their growth, children have an increased protein requirement, as do pregnant and nursing women. A protein deficiency here often takes the form of growth disorders. In severe cases, the protein deficiency disease Kwashiorkor develops. Children suffering from this disease often have a bloated abdomen due to edema. If the body lacks essential amino acids, this can ultimately lead to death, as important metabolic processes can no longer be carried out. Some consequential damage, such as growth disorders, is irreparable. However, the point at which an oversupply poses health risks has not yet been sufficiently clarified and proven.
