Significance of proteins for adults

Understanding proteins: -

Proteins are macronutrients, which are essentially involved in building blocks of body. With human genome, summing up to billions of cells for growth and maintenance Every cell responsible for human wellbeing, needs protein for its functional and biochemical purpose. Therefore, it plays a non -negotiable part for survival. The better absorbable, simple subunits of proteins are called ‘Amino acids’, which play vital role in performing metabolic functions like controlling hormones, catalysts. Upon their ingestion in the body, they are broken down to their subunit’s ‘Amino Acids,’ which perform their functions. Around 16 to 18 percent of human constitution is made up of proteins

What is their role in human body?

Proteins are building blocks of body. In this regard, proteins are used as important source of energy, with primarily carbohydrates involved for primary fuel, involved in wear and tear of body tissues and muscle recovery, growth and maintenance, productions of hormones and enzymes for biochemical reactions.
Deficiency or insufficient levels of proteins is associated with muscle wasting, compromised immune response (as they are immune bolsters), disrupted calcium homeostasis (thus reoccurrence of osteoporosis), hair loss, pale skin, poor concentration, mental confusion etc. Every cell (from head to toe) needs proteins; at some level for its maintenance.
They are termed as ‘Immunity Bolsters’, as they are involved in production of antibodies, tagging the foreign invaders to eliminate from the body.
A good protein daily dose as per daily recommended dietary allowance, is good enough to prevent protein deficiency in adults.
Adults who are physically active or are involved in power lifting, strength workouts should keep their protein intake high ranking on their fitness chart.

What makes them so Important?

Protein deficiency is quite prevalent in countries like India, where people often ignore their proteins needs on daily basis.
As a matter of fact, Protein is interlinked in absorbtion and assimilation of major nutrients like calcium, developing of red blood corpuscles (RBC'S) which form hemoglobin.
Protein is an essential macronutrient, which performs multiple, indispensable functions in adults as discussed above.
It does all good work if taken in right amounts and right types; From helping to build muscle mass and scale up muscle (fat free mass) to providing satiety (tapering risk of obesity hence). As a matter of fact, Protein is interlinked in absorption and assimilation of major nutrients like calcium, developing of RBC which form hemoglobin.

Adult RDA for Proteins

Protein requirement is based on the gender, level of physical activity, trauma, overall health status of an individual. An adult, with sedentary lifestyle would need anywhere around 0.8-1.2 gm/kg body weight of proteins as daily recommended allowance.
Proteins are available in abundance either in the form of plant or animal proteins: -
Plant proteins: - Are the proteins which are available from plant sources and they include of seeds, pulses, nuts, lentils, few cereals and vegetables. They might not be complete proteins (containing all the non-essential amino acids required for growth and development).
Animal proteins: - Include dairy products like milk, tofu (soy curd), cottage cheese (paneer), cheese, curd etc.…, eggs, Fish, red meat, chicken, seafoods etc. They are more of complete protein with balanced amino acids profile.
It is important to understand that proteins in combination with other vital nutrients supporrts growth and development.Every adult has different protein requirement with respect to pertaining pointers like lifestyle, level of physical activity, protein input versus protein output and overall health.

Take away: - Protein is surely the most non-negotiable part of human growth and development, but as it is rightly quoted ‘Anything in excess can be fatal and detrimental’. Therefore, it is important to seek a specialist help to know how much protein one needs for maintenance of wellbeing.