What nutrient is found in all of these foods?

PROTEIN Comprised of 20 different amino acids Your body can make 11 of these amino acids There are 9 essential amino acids that must be provided from your diet

Aside from the protein found in animal sources…protein can also be found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. (it just does not have as many amino acids)

Functions of Protein Build and maintain tissues Protein makes up 18%-20% of your body Makes important compounds such as enzymes, hormones and antibodies Regulates mineral and fluid balance Helps carry sodium and potassium from one side of cell walls to other, controlling flow of water through cell membranes

Maintains acid-base balance in the blood Carries vital substances (combines with fat to form lipoproteins, transport of iron and other nutrients and oxygen in the blood Provides energy as a last resort if the body can’t get energy from carbs and fat or if there is too much protein in the diet Protein provides 4 calories per gram

Types of Protein

Complete Protein Contains all the essential proteins required by humans Most are found from animal sources For example, lamb, beef Quinoa is complete protein that is a grain

Incomplete Protein Are missing one or more of the essential amino acids Comes from plant sources For example, lettuce, nuts

Complementary Protein Two or more incomplete protein sources are combined to provide all of the 9 essential amino acids For example, peanut butter sandwich

Protein in the Body When you eat protein food, stomach acid denatures (unravels) the proteins so that enzymes can break proteins into smaller pieces Smaller pieces are broken into amino acids in the small intestine and are absorbed into the bloodstream where they are sent to the cells that need them

Meeting your Protein Needs Body does not store protein, therefore needed everyday Many consume more protein than really needed About 12% to 15% of daily energy should come from protein

Protein-energy Malnutrition PEM Potentially fatal body-depletion disorder Leading cause of death of children in developing countries Also referred to as protein-calorie malnutrition

Types of PEM Primary PEM results from a diet that lacks sufficient sources of protein and/or energy

Secondary PEM More common in the U.S. Usually occurs as a complication of AIDS, cancer, chronic kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease and other illnesses that impair absorption of nutrients

Kwashiorkor Also called wet protein-energy malnutrition Usually appears at the age of about 12 months when breastfeeding is discontinued Causes fluid retention, dry peeling skin and hair discoloration Mental retardation can also occur

Marasmus Caused by energy deficiency Characterized by stunted growth and wasting of muscle and tissue Develops between the ages of 6 months and one year in children who have been weaned from breast mild and who suffer from weakening conditions like chronic diarrhea