What is it?
Proteins are molecules that present in their structure carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, in addition to nitrogen, and may also contain atoms of sulfur, iron, phosphorus and cobalt. The word “protein” is of Greek origin
proton
and means “first”, because it was the first essential macronutrient discovered, is an indispensable nutrient to organisms in the face of their functions in metabolically active tissues.
What’s it for?
Proteins can be divided into complete and incomplete and have numerous functions that are determined from the conformation of their amino acids (basic structural units of proteins). In this sense, amino acids can also receive several categorizations such as the interaction or not of their lateral chain with water (hydrophobic or hydrophilic) or through the nutritional nature being indispensable, conditionally indispensable and expendable. From this proteins play hormonal, enzymatic, structural, contractile, reserve role, among many other functions.
How does it work?
The supply of proteins to the body is primarily done through the diet and this is digested in the intestine. However, in cases of energy restriction some endogenous proteins are degraded to amino acids, which are absorbed through various mechanisms.
When do you need to supplement?
Protein supplementation is a common practice among athletes and physical activity practitioners, such as whey protein (whey protein) consumers who seek muscle hypertrophy. However, the use of protein supplementation can be made for elderly patients aiming at its therapeutic applicability in sarcopenia processes and in cancer patients. Therefore, the choice of supplementation and what type of protein will be used is the cariterium of each professional.
Reference:
Master, P. B. Z., & Macedo, R. C. O. (2021). Effects of dietary supplementation in sport and exercise: a review of evidence on milk proteins and amino acids.
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition
,
61
(7), 1225–1239. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2020.1756216
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