Question

please discuss what are the roles/ use/ metabolism of protein in the body? How were protein requirements established for healthy adult individuals and athletes (consider if they overconsume)? Why was there no change in the RDA for protein? Discuss the risks associated with over-consumption of protein and under-consumption of protein

Answer 1

Proteins act as building blocks for the body for proper growth, repair, and maintaining healthy bodily functions. Proteins are made up of different sets of amino acids which are essential or non- essential amino acids.
The role of proteins in the body are as following:
1. For maintaining the growth of the body: It is required for building and repairing body tissues. required during mensuration, breastfeeding, and during the injury or surgery to protect the body from ailment and maintain sustainability of life.
2. Proteins are required to perform several biochemical reactions of the body as they synthesize a lot of enzymes that help in the activity of digestion, muscle contraction, blood clotting mechanism and in energy production to perform several cellular activities like respiration, act as a messenger to transport several functions from one part to another, provides immunity to the body
3. It provides structural rigidity to several tissues, bones, and ligaments to provide shape and flexibility to the body.
4. The pH of the body is balanced by the activity of proteins like gastric juice and pancreatic juice.

The normal intake of proteins for a healthy adult is 56 gm per day and for athletes it is 1 to 2 grams of their per kilogram of weight.
The recommended daily usage of protein is not changed as it is requirement remains the same for the adults and in older age because of the decrease in the utilization and efficiency to breakdown the proteins.
Overconsumption of the proteins leads to fat accumulation in the body and makes a person obese causing disorders of bone, renal failure, cancer, and risk of heart attacks.
Under- consumption of proteins causes muscle cramps, weakness, and soreness of the body. Thus vital functions of the body will not be performed well and make the body lean.