Ch. 4 (Protein) Flashcards
There are twenty common amino acids that make up proteins.
What kind of amino acid cannot be made by the body and must be supplied through the diet?
essential or indispensable amino acids
(9 essential)
There are twenty common amino acids that make up proteins.
What kind of amino acid can be made by cells, as needed, through the process of transamination?
nonessential or dispensable amino acids
(11 nonessential)
What are the main functions of protein in the body?
- body structure and framework
- enzymes
- body secretions and fluids (made from amino acids)
- fluid balance (regulate fluid balance due to hydrophillic property)
- acid-base balance (can act as acid or base)
- transport molecules
What describes how well a protein is digested to make amino acids available for protein synthesis?
protein digestibility
Where does the majority of protein digestion occur in the body?
the small intestine
What process quickly assembles amino acids provided through food or released from the breakdown of existing body proteins into proteins the body needs, such as those required for growth and development or lost through normal wear and tear?
protein synthesis (anabolism)
When the body does not have a sufficient amount of carbohydrate and fat for energy use, what process is used?
protein catabolism
What process includes dietary and body proteins to be sacrificed to provide amino acids that can be burned for energy when the body has an insufficient amoutn fo carbohydrate and fat available for energy use?
protein catabolism
What reflects the state of balance between protein breakdown (catabolism) and protein synthesis (anabolism)?
nitrogen balance
Nitrogen balance is determined by what?
comparing nitrogen intake vs nitrogen excretion (over a 24 hr period)
What are some examples where nitrogen balance is positive (protein synthesis exceeds protein breakdown)?
- growth
- pregnancy
- recovery from injury
What are some examples where nitrogen balance is negative (protein catabolism is occurring faster than protein synthesis)?
- starvation
- catabolic phase after injury
What are some conditions that increase the need for protein in the body?
- calorie intake is inadequate (resulting in protein being used for energy)
- body needs to heal itself
- excessive protein losses need replacement
- periods of normal tissue growth
What type of nutrients are required by the body in large amounts?
macronutrients
What type of nutrients are required by the body in small amounts?
micronutrients
What type of vegetarian diet excludes eggs, dairy products and may exclude honey?
vegan
What type of diet excludes meat, fish, and poultry?
vegetarian
What is the RDA for protein in adults?
0.8 g/day
What percentage of total calories consumed should be protein?
10-35%
Protein is restricted in what kind of diseases/conditions?
liver and kidney diseases
excess amino acids put extra work on the liver/kidneys
How many calories in a gram of protein?
(one gram of protein = how many calories)
four calories
A twenty-one male client was in a motorcycle accident, sustaining a fractured femur and close head injury. The health care provider has requested a nitrogen balance determination. The record indicates a twenty-four hour protein intake of seventy grams. A twenty-four hour urinary urea nitrogen (UUN) collection result was 18.5 grams. The nurse recognizes that this client is in what process?
catabolic protein
What elements make up proteins?
CHON
What does the liver do when it is metabolizing proteins?
uses amino acids it needs and releases the excess
Nitrogen balance can fall under neutral, positive or negative.
When protein synthesis (anabolism) exceeds protein breakdown (catabolism), where does the nitrogen balance fall?
positive nitrogen balance
Nitrogen balance can fall under neutral, positive or negative
When protein breakdown (catabolism) exceeds protein synthesis (anabolism), where does the nitrogen balance fall?
negative nitrogen balance
What kind of calorie deficit is due to a deficiency of all macronutrients-carbohydrates, protein and fat?
protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) or protein-energy undernutrition (PEU)
During digestion, what happens when the body has an excess of amino acids?
excess amino acids are burned for energy or converted to fat and stored (liver)
protein waste that needs to be removed is removed via kidneys
What nitrogen balance state do healthy adults fall under?
neutral nitrogen balance
What are some sources of complete protein?
- bread/rice/corn pudding
- cereal & milk
- macaroni & cheese
- french toast
- cheese sandwich
- vegetable quiche
- cheese enchilada
What are some sources of two incomplete proteins?
- black beans & rice
- bean tacos
- pea soup w/toast
- lentils & rice curry
- falafel sandwich
- peanut butter sandwich
- pasta e fagioli
- hummus with crackers
- tofu lasagna
What are some sources of lean protein?
- beef (90%), beef jerky
- pork loin, tenderloin, ham, canadian bacon
- skinless poultry
- tuna, shellfish
- egg whites
- beans, peas, lentils
- edamame
- light tofu
What nutrients would a person engaging in a vegetarian diet most likely be deficient in?
- iron
- zinc
- calcium
- vitamin D
- omega 3-fatty acids
- vitamin b12
- iodine
