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Protein

Protein is a large biochemical structure or compound that is made from amino acids – one or more.

Proteins differ from each other depending on their amino acid chains. This means that all proteins are not alike – some are better than others.

Nutritionally, protein is consumed on a daily basis from a wide variety of foods. The protein is digested and while in the stomach are broken down into smaller polypeptides

Proteases are enzymes that are important during the breakdown process. Proteins contain energy 4 kilocalories per gram. Once proteins are consumed and digested they are added into the blood system it can be converted by the liver and kidney into amino acids

Of the 20 amino acids, 9 require dietary consumption and are unable to be synthesized within the body

Protein performs several functions including:

–  Catalyzing Metabolic Reactions
–  Building blocks of life
–  Maintaining good health
–  Replication of DNA
–  Regeneration or Cellular repair
–  Stimuli response
–  Transportation of molecules
–  And more

Gluconeogenesis

Is a metabolic pathway for the production of glucose

This is only for non-carbohydrate substances such as protein, glycerol, amino acid, lactate, and a few others

Sources:

–  Meat
–  Chicken
–  Fish
–  Seafood
–  Eggs
–  Milk
–  Cheese
–  Nuts
–  Grains
–  others

Deficiency

Often seen in times of famine, overpopulation, and war.

More often seen in underdeveloping countries

Effects of Deficiency

–  Malnutrition
–  Mental retardation
–  Decrease in intelligence
–  Diarrhea
–  Failure to grow or thrive
–  Belly becomes swollen
–  Edema of legs
–  others

Excess foods will be broken down into sugars and fatty acids