Yanuar Yudi Hutama

Medical Faculty of Unissula

Protein
Protein is needed for growth, development and repair of the body. Excess protein can be broken down and used as a source of energy. Protein is made up of different combinations of amino acids. These are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids are compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and, in some cases, sulphur.

Indispensable or dispensable?
The human body is able to make most amino acids itself and these are known as non-essential or dispensable amino acids.
There are some amino acids that cannot be made by the body. They are called indispensable amino acids (IAA) or sometimes essential amino acids. It is essential that these are provided in the diet as the body cannot make them.

Body needs
Adults only need 8 indispensable amino acids for growth and repair. Children need to obtain 10 indispensable amino acids.

Biological value and complementation

It is not just the amount of protein, but the quality or biological value of the protein that needs to be considered.
If a protein contains all the indispensable amino acids it is said to have a high biological value. If a protein does not contain all the indispensable amino acids it is said to have a low biological value. The amino acid that is in the shortest supply in relation to need is termed the limiting amino acid.

High and low biological value

High biological value (HBV) proteins include: meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and milk. Low biological value (LBV) proteins include: cereals, pulses, some nuts and vegetables. In general, animal protein sources have a higher biological value, than vegetable sources. Vegetarians and vegans need to eat wisely to ensure they are getting all the indispensable amino acids.

Protein complementation
Complementation of low biological value (LBV) protein sources ensures that all essential amino acids are consumed. Amino acids of one protein source can compensate for the limitations of the other, resulting in a combination to create a high biological value meal.

An example of protein complementation

Two foods providing vegetable protein are eaten at a meal e.g. a cereal (bread) and a pulse (baked beans). The amino acids of one protein compensates for the limitations of the other. This results in a combination of higher biological value.

The bodys needs for protein

Babies and children have a high need for protein because they are growing. Adolescents need protein for their rapid growth spurt. Pregnant women need more protein than other adults because of the growing baby. Nursing mothers also need more protein for lactation.

Protein deficiency
Protein deficiency is rare, but there is a condition called PEM protein energy malnutrition. This can be seen in infants with stunted growth or thin arms and legs, and large distended abdomens. Marasmus - this condition mainly affects infants causing them to become thin and weak. The body adapts to the shortage of energy and nutrients. All energy stores are depleted as it is used to supply vital organs.
Kwashiorkor - this condition is known to be the bodys adaption to shortage of energy and nutrients.

references
www.nutrition.org.uk www.foodafactoflife.org.uk

Thank you