Common protein sources

 

Discuss common protein sources (both plant and animal) in our diets and the three types of amino acids (essential, non-essential, and conditionally essential). (USLO 6.1)
Outline process of protein digestion, absorption, and transportation in the body. (USLO 6.2)
Outline the functions of proteins in our diet and the roles of protein in health and disease (USLOs 6.3, 6.4)
Discuss the RDA values for proteins for you and your immediate family members. How did you do in meeting those RDA values based on your nutrient intake report? Discuss ways in which you can improve. (USLO 6.5)
Outline the following vegetarian diets and describe the pros and potential cons of each of these diets (USLO 6.6):
Nonvegetarian
Semivegetarian
Pescatarian
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
Lacto-Vegetarian

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

🥩 Common Protein Sources and Amino Acid Types (USLO 6.1)

 

Protein is a macronutrient composed of chains of amino acids. We obtain these building blocks from both animal and plant sources in our diet.

 

Common Protein Sources

 

TypeExamples
AnimalMeat (beef, pork, lamb), Poultry (chicken, turkey), Fish and Seafood, Eggs, and Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt).
PlantLegumes (beans, lentils, peas, peanuts, soy/tofu, tempeh), Nuts and Seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds), and Whole Grains (quinoa, oats).

Animal sources are generally considered complete proteins as they contain all nine essential amino acids. Many plant sources are incomplete but can be combined throughout the day (e.g., rice and beans) to provide a complete profile.

 

The Three Types of Amino Acids

 

There are 20 common amino acids that the human body uses to build proteins. They are categorized based on whether the body can produce them:

There are 20 common amino acids that the human body uses to build proteins. They are categorized based on whether the body can produce them:

Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): There are nine essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine). They cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient amounts and must be obtained from the diet.

Non-Essential Amino Acids (NEAAs): These are amino acids that the body can synthesize from other compounds (e.g., other amino acids, carbohydrates, or fats).

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids (CEAAs): These are typically non-essential, but under certain physiological conditions (e.g., illness, stress, premature birth, severe injury), the body's need for them exceeds its ability to synthesize them. Examples include arginine, glutamine, and tyrosine.

 

⚙️ Protein Digestion, Absorption, and Transportation (USLO 6.2)

 

The process of breaking down dietary protein into absorbable amino acids and moving them into the body is as follows: