Protein Flashcards
1
Q
Protein Basics
A
- 4 cal/g
- made up of chains of AAs
- used to build, maintain and repair
- liver is main site of protein synthesis (kidneys, too)
- “complete” protein provides all essential AAs (mostly in animal products)
- if your body is low on protein, it will take from somewhere else in your body
2
Q
Amino Acid Basics
A
- building blocks of protein (there are about 20)
- 8 or 9 are “essential” - complete protein provides ALL
- liver can store for only 3-5 days
- if one AA is in short supply in the liver, it cannot make any protein containing that amino!
3
Q
Biological Value
A
- BV (of protein)
- measured by determining proportions of AAs that are absorbed, retained and used in the body
- whey protein has the highest BV
- eggs: highest BV of any whole food
4
Q
Major Roles of Protein
A
- building materials for growth, repair and maintenance of:
- blood, muscles, skin, tendons, bones, organs, hormones, enzymes, NTs, antibodies
- maintains volume and composition of body fluids
- regulates pH of tissues and fluids
- transports nutrients
- backup energy source
5
Q
Protein Digestion and Absorption
A
- HCl activates pepsinogen (proteins —> peptides)
- pancreatic proteases break peptides into shorter chains
- peptidases break down into small chains and AAs
- carried across villi into blood
- AAs stored in liver for reassembly that make up “us”
6
Q
Proteins and Leaky Gut
A
- poor protein digestion and leaky gut —> allergies and autoimmune disorders
- ensure good protein digestion for clients on pain meds and other drugs
7
Q
Liver and Protein
A
- poor liver function = poor protein utilization
- B6 needed for transamination and deamination
8
Q
Transanimation
A
creation of new proteins (anabolic)
9
Q
Deanimation
A
- dismantling of proteins (catabolic)
- takes off nitrogen
- occurs when: there is excess protein in the body
- breakdown of protein is needed for energy (not enough carbs/fat)
- a limiting AA is missing
10
Q
Protein Deficiency Signs
A
- loss of muscle tone
- confusion
- slow wound healing
- irritability
- low libido
- food cravings
- too acid or alkaline
- fluid retention
- fatigue, muscle weakness
- thin hair, weak nails
- weight loss
11
Q
Protein Excess Signs
A
- acidosis and dehydration
- constipation
- putrefaction of the gut if stomach acid is inadequate
- loss of bone (if low vitamin D and Ca)
- musculoskeletal issues
- kidney dysfunction
- ammonia/nitrogen in blood
12
Q
Protein Requirements
A
- 0.8 g/protein per kg body weight for adult (non-athlete)
- building diets require more protein
- take in what you need, not more or less
13
Q
Animal Protein
A
- requires plenty of digestive enzymes
- you are what the animal eats!
- complete sources of protein
14
Q
Vegetable Protein
A
- must be properly combined to be complete and usable
- beans with grains
- beans with nuts, seeds
- milk products with grains
- liver stores some AAs for 24-36 hours (don’t need to combine in every meal)
15
Q
Micro Algae
A
- 60% absorbable, no HCl needed
- high in protein, betacarotene, EFAd, minerals
- refreshing, vital, relaxing, cooling
- sustainable harvested whole food
