NUTR 202 - Module 6: Proteins

Amino Acid Structure

A Central Carbon connected to an acid group (carboxyl), a hydrogen group, an amino group, and a R group

Transamination

Transfer of amine group from one molecule to another to create amino acid

How are amino acids linked?

Peptide Bonds through Dehydration Synthesis

How can a protein's structure be altered?

Heat, acid, enzymes, agitation, alcohol, an electrical charge, and salting

What happens if a protein loses its shape?

It can no longer function and is said to have Denatured

Why are proteins important for blood vessels?

Proteins maintain an optimal balance between the fluids inside and outside cells in blood vessels

Albumin

Protein in Blood; Maintains the proper amount of water in the blood through osmosis

Edema

Fluid accumulation due to low blood albumin

Antigens

Foreign substances that trigger the attack of antibodies in the immune response.

How do proteins protect our immune system?

They are present in our skin and also give mucus the consistency it has to trap invaders

How do enzymes speed up reactions?

They lower the activation energy required

Hormones are made of what?

Lipids like Estrogen and Proteins like Insulin

How do proteins help with transporting substances?

Things like the Sodium-Potassium pump, Retinol-binding proteins that transport Vitamin A, etc.

Is protein ideal for energy?

No; Protein as energy is a last resource

Protein Turnover

The degradation and synthesis of protein

Protein Synthesis

Requires presence of essential amino acids in adequate amounts

Limiting Amino Acid

Present in lowest amount relative to body's needs

Protein Breakdown/Degradation

Free amino acids become apart of the amino acid pool

Deamination

Amino group converted to Urea

Nitrogen Balance

Nitrogen Consumed vs. Nitrogen Excreted; Protein Intake

Complete Proteins or High Quality Proteins

Provide all essential amino acids in amounts needed by the body so that they can be used to make the nonessential amino acids
Ex. Animal Proteins, Soy, and Quinoa

Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score

Value assigned to proteins that accounts for protein quality and digestibility; Based on a scale of 0-100

Incomplete Proteins

Do not contain all essential amino acids
Ex. Legumes, Grains, Vegetables

Complementary Proteins

Amino acid contents combined provide all essential amino acids
Ex. Rice and Beans

Health Benefits associated with Soy Consumption

Protection against certain cancers and CVD disease, and prevention of bone loss

RDA For Protein

0.8g per kg of body weight

AMDR For Protein

10%-35%

Health Benefits of Vegetarianism

Lowered risk of heart disease and rates of obesity

Concerns of Vegetariansim

Vitamin Defiency especially in B12

Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

Inadequate Protein Intake; Most common nutrient deficiency in hospital and nursing home populations in the United States and the most lethal form of malnutrition

Who is at the greatest risk for PEM?

Infants and Young Children

Marasmus

A condition of starvation characterized by emaciation, or skeletal appearance; Caused by inadequate protein and calorie intake

Kwashiorkor

Characterized by swollen appearance, especially the abdomen; Caused by low protein intake and altered gut bacterial populations

What can excess protein intake cause?

Increased risk of certain types of cancer, kidney disease, and heart disease