The Proteins and
Amino Acids
Chapter 6
What Proteins Are Made Of
Protein structure
 Essential & nonessential amino acids
 Proteins as the source of life’s variety
 Denaturation of proteins

The Functions of Body Proteins
Growth & maintenance
 Enzymes
 Hormones
 Antibodies
 Fluid balance
 Acid-base balance

The Functions of Body Proteins
Transport proteins
 Proteins as energy

How the Body Handles Protein
Digestion & absorption
 Building of proteins from amino acids in
the body

Protein Quality of Foods

Complete vs. incomplete proteins

Limiting amino acids
Complementary proteins
 Protein quality evaluation

Ease of absorption
 Nitrogen retention/loss - biological value

Recommended Protein Intakes
AMDR: 10%-35% of calories
 RDA: 0.8 g/kg of body weight

Protein & Health

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM)
Kwashiorkor
 Marasmus


Too much protein
Protein & Health

Protein in the diet
Dairy foods
 Fish & shellfish
 Meat & chicken
 Nuts & nut butters
 Eggs
 Legumes

Eat More Beans
Add legumes to weekly meals
 Explore the many varieties of legumes
 Learn more about legumes & their
nutritional benefits online

Make Over Your Plate--Reshaping Your
Protein Choices for Health

In the kitchen


In the lunch box

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Small meat portions, meatless meals
New sandwich fillings, soups
At the table

Plant-based meals featuring whole grains,
vegetables, & legumes
The Vegetarian Diet
Proteins
 Vitamins - B12, D
 Minerals - iron, zinc, calcium
 Health benefits

Food Allergy--Nothing to Sneeze
At
Food intolerance vs. food allergy
 Children & food allergy
 Diagnosis & management of food allergy

Wonder Bean--The Benefits of
Soy
Soybeans are legumes with protein
quality similar to that of meat
 Isoflavones - have weak estrogenic
activity

Wonder Bean--The Benefits of
Soy

Health benefits of dietary soy
Soy & heart disease
 Soy & osteoporosis
 Soy & menopause
 Soy & cancer
 Soy & diabetes

Wonder Bean--The Benefits of
Soy

No established recommended daily
intake


Approved health claim: 25 g/day
Tips for adding soy to the diet