Week 7 - Protein

Question 1

How are the amino acids split up?

Answer 1

Essential, Conditionally Non-Essential, Non-Essential

Question 2

Protein Metabolism

Answer 2

Proteins provide structure to all cells in the human body.
Many proteins are enzymes that catalyse metabolic reactions
Amino acids play a part in the metabolism of organs and tissues
Amino acids are precursors for the synthesis of body proteins
AMino acids are regulators of synthesis of neurotransmitters, hormons, DNA and RNA

Question 3

What are the essential nutrients for humans

Answer 3

Water
Amino acids
Fatty acids
Minerals
Trace Minerals
Electrolytes
Vitamins
Ultra trace elements

Question 4

What is the ratio between nitrogen and protein?

Answer 4

1g nitrogen = 6.25g protein
Amino acids are a source of nitrogen in the body

Question 5

How is nitrogen balance calculated?

Answer 5

1. Determine how much nitrogen is excreted (urine, sweat etc)
2. Determine nitrogen intake. (Protein intake divided by 6.25
3. Nitrogen balance = 2 minus 1

Question 6

What is an example protein reference nutrient intake

Answer 6

0.75g/kg/day
In 80kg recommended intake is 60g protein/day
In 60kg recommended intake is 45g protein/day

Question 7

Limitations of nitrogen balance

Answer 7

No information of tissues
Lack of sensitivity - only gross measures of intake an excrection
Zero balance on low intake may reflect accommodation
Positive balance may not relate to lean body mass