Proteins

Question 1

Proteins are important because …….

Answer 1

they are the building blocks of the body. They regulate essential body functions and have a role in fluid balance, hormone and enzyme productions and provide fuel to cells.

Question 2

The sequence of amino acids determines the …..

Answer 2

shape of the protein and the shape in turn determines the function

Question 3

How many amino acids does the body need to function?

Answer 3

20 different amino acids: 11 of these are nonessential because the body can manufacture them. 9 are essential because the body cannot synthesize them. Our diet must supplement this.

Question 4

What is denaturation ?

Answer 4

Altering the structure of a protein, which is necessary for digestion to occur in the body. Denaturation can occur through heat, enzymes, acid or agitation

Question 5

are animal meats complete or incomplete proteins?

Answer 5

They are complete proteins because they contain all the essential amino acids

Question 6

Are plant proteins complete or incomplete proteins?

Answer 6

They are incomplete proteins, all except for soy. In order to get all the essential amino acids required, incomplete proteins must be combined to make a complete protein called a complementary protein.

Question 7

What stimulates the production and release of pepsin in the stomach ?

Answer 7

The hormone gastrin activates pepsin, which begins to unravel the protein in the stomach.

Question 8

What happens to the partially digested proteins as it travels into the small intestine?

Answer 8

The hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) is released in the small intestine, travels to the pancreas and causes the release of trypsin. These two hormones break the chains of amino acids into smaller units of 1, 2 or 3 amino acids. The amino acids are then absorbed into the portal vein, transported to the liver and enter the bloodstream. Excess protein can be converted to fat and stored.

Question 9

Protein functions include

Answer 9

• *1. Body structure** - muscles, connective tissue, mucus, hair, skin and nails are all comprised of protein.
• *2. Maintaining fluid balance** - blood proteins attract fluid
• *3. Contribute to acid base balance** - proteins act as buffers
  4. Enzymes and hormones - needed to regulate body processes and catalyze reactions
  5. Contribute to immune function - antibodies attack bacteria and virus
  6. Provide energy and satiety - used for energy during exercise and calorie restriction

Question 10

A body in a state of positive protein balance has…..

Answer 10

a greater intake of proteins than is lost.

Examples of someone in this state would be a pregnant mom, a growing child or teenager or someone recovering from an illness.

This is also known as “Anabolic state”

Question 11

A body in a state of Negative protein balance …………

Answer 11

occurs when protein loss is greater than intake. This is also known as “Catabolic state”

This may occur during an illness or fasting, due to a trauma such as an accident or burn or inadequate calorie intake. Muscle wasting and loss of body mass is usually the result.

Question 12

What is protein-calorie malnutrition?

Answer 12

Occurs when there is an inadequate intake of protein and calories over a period of time which leads to muscle wasting, and increased risk of infection due to a compromised immune system.

Question 13

Protein-calorie malnutrition in children can be classifed as either K______ or M_______

Answer 13

Kwashiorkor or Marasmus

Question 14

What is Kwashiorkor ?

Answer 14

State of malnutrtion in children where there is severe protein deficiency and moderate energy or calorie deficiency.

Edema-retaining fluids in the legs and abdomen

Mild to moderate weight loss

Growth impairment

Rapid onset which occurs when a child is weaned from breast milkd

Fatty Liver

Listlessness, tired, change in hair and skin

Question 15

What is Marasmus ?

Answer 15

Marasmus is a state of malnutrition in children where there is a severe deficiency of both calories and proteins.

Means to waste away in Greek.

The child slowly starves to death

Develops gradually

Severe weight loss

Wasting of muscle and body fat, a result of famine or another illness in addition to Skin and bones appearance

Severe growth impairment

Question 16

What is a semi-vegetarian ?

Answer 16

will include fish and poultry in their diet, but no red meat

Question 17

What is a lacto-ovo vegetarian ?

Answer 17

include milk and eggs, but no animal flesh

Question 18

Lacto vegetarian

Answer 18

will consume dairy products but no eggs or animal flesh

Question 19

Vegan

Answer 19

Will consume plant foods only

Question 20

Fruitarian

Answer 20

consumes only fruits, nuts, honey and vegetable oil.

This plan is not recommended as it leads to nutrient deficiencies.

Question 21

Careful planning is needed when planning a plant based protein diet because….

Answer 21

plant protein is incomplete. It does not contain all the essential amino acids that animal meat does. One must plan carefully in order to consume all these essential nutrients from a variety of plant based proteins to ensure growth and development and prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Question 22

Benefits of a vegetarian diet

Answer 22

Consume less fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and increased fiber. This can lower the risk for heart disease, obesity, hypertension and cancer.

Question 23

Plant based diet recommendations

Answer 23

1. Choose whole grains and unrefined foods
2. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. The more colors on your plate, the more nutrients you receive.
3. Choose low fat dairy products
4. Eggs are an excellent protein source if we choose to consume them.
5. Choose a regular source of vitamin B12 and D either through fortified foods or supplements. B12 occurs naturally in only animal foods thus the need for fortification or supplements.
6. Eat a variety of foods

Question 24

What are Amino acids?

Answer 24

The building blocks of proteins and are formed mostly of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.