Proteins provide a variety of essential functions in the body. A few of these include forming the tissue in muscles which aid in contraction (actin and myosin), connective tissue, blood-clotting factors, maintaining fluid balance, making up hormones and enzymes, forming antibodies for the immune system, and forming glucose for energy. Protein deficiency is mainly seen in children, and is usually related to a lack of calories in the diet as well as low protein consumption. Two main diseases are caused from this, Kwashiorkor and Marasmus.
recommendation: 0.8 g per kg body weight
foods in: dairy products, canned tuna, beef, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, legumes, and beans.
Dictionary Definition
Any of a group of complex nitrogenous organic compounds of high molecular weight that contain certain amino acids as their basic structural units and that occur in all living matter and are essential for growth and repair of animal tissue.
