Protein - Recommended Daily Allowance 10/15% per day

 

Protein food sources - Meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, legumes, nuts and wholegrain cereals.

 

Structure

 

Proteins are mae of amino acids:

 

Non-essential amino acids - these can be synthesised by the body if needed as long as raw materials are available, (protein).

 

Essential amino acids - there are eight of these. They cannot be synthesised by the body so they must be supplied by the diet.

 

Complete potein (HBV) High Biological Value - contain all essential amino acids.

 

Incomplete protein (LBV) Low Biological Value - missing at least one essential amino acid.

 

 

Purpose

 

• The body is made up of mostly protein (3/4 of our dry mass).

 

• Good amounts of protein in the diet helps to strive off diseases.

 

• Aids growth, maintenance and repair of body tissue.

 

• Regulation of bodily processes.

 

• Energy source (if carbohydrates are in short supply).

 

 

Health issues

 

Vegetarian diets - Need to combine protein foods to ensure quality of intake and ensure sufficient quantity is consumed.

 

Intake - Deficiancy is rare; we tend to eat mor than we need. About 10-15% of our energy intake should be in the form of protein.