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Colleen Nutrition 1 S2 > Proteins & Amino Acids > Flashcards

Proteins & Amino Acids Flashcards

1
Q

How much body weight does protein account for?

A

17-20%

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2
Q

What organic compounds make up protein?

A

Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen

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3
Q

What are amino acids?

How many are there?

A

The basic blocks of proteins

500-700

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4
Q

What is a polypeptide?

A

A peptide consisting of many amino acids to make you a protein.

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5
Q

How many essential Amino acids does the body require? Name

A 
9 AA
Phenylalanine
Valine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Isoleucine
Methionine
Histidine
Leucine
Lysine
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6
Q

What are conditional amino acids?

A

Not usually essential except in times of illness or stress

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7
Q

What is denaturation?

A

Exposure to heat causes the protein to loose its 3D structure and function.
Enzymes will de nature proteins e.g. Pepsin in the stomach

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8
Q

List 4 functions of proteins

A

Structure of body tissues e.g. collagen
Hormones e.g. insulin and cell membranes
Movement e.g. actin & myosin fibres in muscles
Enzymes for reactions in the body

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9
Q

What are actin and myosin?

A

Proteins involved in muscle contraction

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10
Q

How do proteins contribute to growth and maintenance?

A

They are the building blocks of bones, ligaments, tendons, blood vessel walls and the dermis.

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11
Q

Which hormones are derived from AA?

A

Thyroid hormones from Tyrosine & iodine
Dopamine, noradrenaline & Adrenalin from tyrosine
Serotonin & melatonin from TryptophanInsulin
Glucagon
PTH
Calcitonin

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12
Q

What is an enzyme?

A

Proteins that speed up biological reactions

E..g. Amalyse

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13
Q

What are immunoglobulins? Name 2

A

Proteins found in the blood and bodily fluids
E.g. IgA
IgE

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14
Q

Name the proteins which combine with other substances to provide transport

A

Albumin to calcium
Transferrins to iron
Ceruloplasim to copper
Haemoglobin to O2

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15
Q

What cane be the cause of low serum albumin?

A

Protein malnutrition
Hypochlorhydria
Liver dysfunction

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16
Q

Which AA help to maintain blood PH?

A

Histidine

Cystine

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17
Q

What is Oedema?

A

The result of protein levels dropping too low encouraging water to leak out of the blood and into interstitial spaces.

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18
Q

List 3 3 protein related causes of oedema

A

Kidney disease
Liver disease
Malnutrition

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19
Q

Give 4 examples of Glycoproteins

A

Mucins- found in mucus and saliva
Hormones- LH, FS, FSH, TSH
Major histocompatibility complex- cell surface receptors in antigen presentation
ABO blood type antigens

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20
Q

Define deamination

A

Removal of the nitrogen containing amino group in the liver so that AA can be used as a n energy source.

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21
Q

What is formed during deamination?

A

Ammonia which goes through the urea cycle to ensure excretion by the kidneys as Urea.
The liver must be functioning well

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22
Q

Which 3 AA are made within the body during the urea cycle

A

Arginine
Citrulline
Ornithine

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23
Q

What is Hyperammonaemia? Name 4 symptoms?

A

Elevated ammonia in the blood presented as a serious metabolic state often associated with liver cirrhosis

Chronic fatigue
Headache
Confusion
Intolerance of high protein foods

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24
Q

What is transamination and what nutrient is it dependant on?

A 
The process of creating a non essential AA by the body
Vit B6 ( whole grains, green veg, sunflower seeds, pistachios, bananas)
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25
What is protein turnover?
The process of breaking down and making proteins e…g recycling of enzymes.
26
What effect does stress have on protein?
Stress causes protein losses in areas such as skeletal muscle due to the actions of cortisol.
27
How are proteins used for energy?
Cells will use AA when glucose and fatty acids are limited due to diet or disease. The body dismantles tissue proteins and uses them for energy.
28
Where is protein found?
In whole foods. Meat provides more protein that no meat sources but requires more energy to digest.
29
What are the benefits of plant protein v’s animal?
Plant protein contain fibre, probiotics and phytonutrients in addition to protein.
30
How could you make plant protein more digestible?
Soaking, sprouting and fermenting.
31
What could you do to optimise protein digestion?
Chew thoroughly & avoid drinking with meals Eat zinc & B6 rich foods Apple cider vinegar in a little water before meals Bitter herbs before meals
32
What happens to undigested protein which reaches the colon?
It is fermented creating toxic metabolites that increase the inflammatory response. Effects include systemic toxicity, nephrotoxicity & carcinogenesis.
33
What is a limiting AA?
An essential AA is supplied in less than the amount needed to support protein synthesis e.g. lysine, threonine, methionine & tryptophan.
34
List 5 complete protein sources.
``` Quinoa Pumpkin seeds Chia seeds Hemp seeds Tempeh ```
35
What effect can too much animal protein have?
Too much methionine can stimulate T cells, creating an over reactive immune response leading to autoimmunity and inflammation. Also releasing homocysteine which is associated with atherosclerosis
36
List and explain 4 adverse effects associated with high, long term animal protein.
Osteoporosis- acidic burden can draw calcium out of bones Kidney disease- extra acidity needs buffering and the kidneys filter the urea Increased cancer risk- carcinogenics Atherosclerosis- associated with oxidation and inflammation in the endothelium
37
Why might athletes be considered to have a higher requirement for protein?
Due to the catabolism of amino acids during exercise
38
How do you calculate protein RNI?
Multiply kg x 0.75. In pregnancy add 6g daily In lactation add 11g daily
39
List 4 factors that may result contribute to protein deficiency.
Teenagers- consuming junk food/highly refined/processed Older people -due to poor digestive health/absorption Anorexia nervous a sufferers- limited food Drug & alcohol addictions
40
Explain 4 functions of glutamine
Immunity by supporting lymphocyte & macrophage proliferation Hypoglycaemia as it is a substrate for gluconeogenesis Muscle recovery by promoting faster recovery Neurotransmitter converting to glutamate and then GABA
41
In which conditions would you not supplement with glutamine?
Cancer Epilepsy Liver & kidney disease
42
What is cysteine needed for?
In the formation of Co-enzyme A and taurine Detoxification and antioxidant support Phase II liver detoxification
43
How does N-acetyl cysteine support detoxification?
Building block of glutathionine | Crucial in drug metabolism in the liver
44
What are the additional functions of NAC?
Increase sperm concentration Positively impacts serum testosterone Assists elimination of mucus from respiratory tracts Increases insulin sensitivity
45
Which AA is a methyl donor in the body?
Methionine
46
What are the food sources for carnitine?
Nuts, seeds, avocado, asparagus, red meats, dairy
47
What co factors are required for synthesis of carnitine?
Iron Vit C B3 B6
48
List 4 therapeutic uses of carnitine
Weight loss Heart failure Infertility Athletic performance
49
What are the adverse effects of carnitine supplementation?
``` Drug interactions with anti coagulants Contraindicated with Hypothyroidism Nausea Vomiting Abdominal cramps Body odour and seizures at high doses ```
50
Where is creatine found?
Muscles
51
What are the functions of creatine?
It enhances muscular activity
52
What are some of the adverse effects of using creatine?
Could affect renal function Can cause abdominal pain Palpitations and muscle cramping
53
What are some of the food sources for Glycine?
``` Legumes Seaweed Spinach Cauliflower Banana Bone broth ```
54
List 3 functions of Glycine
Collagen synthesis- crucial for structural integrity Liver detoxification- to conjugate toxins in phase II Neurotransmitters- an inhibitory neurotransmitter, is used to form acetylcholine
55
Which non essential AA is found in green tea?
Theanine
56
What are the functions of the theanine?
It is inhibitory and calming It is mood enhancing It may increase serotonin and dopamine levels
57
What affect may theanine have on BP medication?
It may cause BP to fall too low
58
Which 3 AA are important for Endocrine health?
Tyrosine Tryptophan Phenylalanine
59
What conditions may tyrosine be required to support?
``` Adrenal fatigue Hypothyroidism ADHD Depression Anxiety Cognition ```
60
In which condition may tyrosine be contraindicated?
Hyperthyroidism
61
List 5 food sources of tyrosine?
``` Nuts Seeds Legumes Whole grains Fish ```
62
What are the functional benefits of tryptophan?
It is required for serotonin and melatonin synthesis. | It is used in ATP synthesis to make B3
63
List 5 food sources for tryptophan
``` Brown rice Quinoa Turkey Pumpkin seeds Oats ```
64
How is phenylalanine beneficial in skin pigmentation?
It produces melanin and is useful in vitiligo.
65
What contraindications/drug interactions may phenylalanine have?
Not used in schizophrenia or with antipsychotics.
66
How is lysine beneficial in diabetes mellitus?
It has been shown to have a glucose lowering effect.
67
Which amino acid does lysine compete with for absorption?
Arginine
68
What is the key therapeutic use for lysine?
Helpers simplex virus (cold sores)
69
What are the additional functions of lysine?
Key role in tissue repair Helps build muscular tissue AIDS intestinal absorption of calcium, iron and zinc
70
List 5 food sources for lysine
``` Quinoa Legumes Tempeh Chicken Eggs ```
71
How does Arginine help in hyper tension?
Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide. | Nitric oxide is a vasodilator and subsequently lowers BP.
72
Which functions may be restored by providing AA?
Neurotransmitter & hormone synthesis Stabilisation of blood glucose Better mitochondrial function Reduction in oxidative damage
73
Why is the utilisation of AA often impaired?
Due to a lack of micronutrients used in AA conversions e.g. zinc, B6 & B12

Colleen Nutrition 1 S2 (6 decks)

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