A Moment for Science
As an RD, I am all about the science behind food and nutrition. While some of you may gloss over at the word “amino acid” or “gluconeogenesis,” I still think it’s important to arm you with the facts so you can better understand where my nutrition recommendations come from
The human genome contains about 23,000 protein-coding genes, and proteins make up as much as half of the dry mass of the adult human body, with fat being the other major component. These proteins are synthesized using amino acids as the building blocks that are linked in a particular sequence. Obviously, we need to consume proteins and their constituent amino acids in order to build our own proteins, but amino acids are used for more than just making proteins in the body. For example, our bodies use parts of amino acids to synthesize neurotransmitters, hormones, and even the nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA. Most of the 20 amino acids can also be used as gluconeogenic precursors to help maintain blood glucose concentrations during periods of fasting or low carbohydrate intake. The only two amino acids that cannot be used for gluconeogenesis (the metabolic pathway converting amino acids into energy) are leucine and lysine, which are referred to as totally (or exclusively) "ketogenic." Protein isn’t just for building those muscles!
Proteins are unique among the macronutrients in that they contain the atom nitrogen. The presence of nitrogen in amino acids requires an important set of reactions, including transamination and deamination reactions. Once the nitrogen has been removed from amino acids, the remaining carbon skeleton can have multiple fates including being oxidized for energy or used to synthesize glucose in the liver.
Importance of Protein in the Diet
Protein is a vital macronutrient and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Its importance in the diet is multifaceted, as it serves various essential functions in the body. Proteins are the building blocks of tissues, including muscles, skin, bones, and organs. When we consume protein, our bodies break it down into amino acids, which are used to repair and regenerate tissues in the body.
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