What is Protein?
Protein, from the view of chemist, are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Protein is one of the macronutrient (along with carbohydrate and fat) needed by your body to function properly. Many foods contain protein, found in both animal and plant foods.
Protein is then broken down to amino acids by the body. Our body utilizes protein in the form of amino acid. There are 21 different types of amino acid and will be combined and form different sequence to perform specific functions. Amino acid can be classified into essential amino acid and non-essential amino acid. Nonessential amino acids can be made by the body, while essential amino acids cannot be made by the body so you must get nine of the amino acids our body needs from our food.
Most animal products such as meat, poultry and seafood are complete proteins (have all the nine essential amino acids) but so are certain plant sources such as quinoa. Most proteins from plant sources are incomplete proteins and contain smaller amounts of proteins than animal sources. However, legumes are an exception: peas, lentils, beans, chickpeas, lima beans, soybeans and peanuts have large amounts of proteins in their seeds. Although proteins from legumes are not equal in quality with animal proteins, they can be an adequate substitute if they are eaten in combination with other foods.
Functions of Protein
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Repair and Maintenance in body tissue
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Structural component of the body (eg: muscles, body tissues)
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Source of energy
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Hormones. Protein is involved in the creation of some hormones.
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Enzymes
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Antibodies
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Transportation and Storage of Molecules
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Acid-base regulator (Protein buffer system)
How much protein should I eat?
Protein Requirement according to different Age group
According to Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Malaysia 2017,
|
Age |
Protein (g/d) |
|
|
Infant |
0 – 5 months |
8 |
|
6 – 11 months |
10 |
|
|
Children |
1 – 3 years |
12 |
|
4 – 6 years |
16 |
|
|
7 – 9 years |
23 |
|
|
Adolescent |
10 – 12 years |
30 (B) ; 31 (G) |
|
13 – 15 years |
45 (B) ; 42 (G) |
|
|
16 – 18 years |
51 (B) ; 42 (G) |
|
|
Adult |
19 – 29 years |
62 (B) ; 53 (G) |
|
30 – 59 years |
61 (B) ; 52(G) |
|
|
>60 years |
58 (B) ; 50 (G) |
*(B) Boy ; (G) Girl
Otherwise, as a rough guide, the normal recommended protein intake for normal healthy adult is calculated based on per kg of body weight that is 0.8-1.0 g/kg body weight.
The above recommendation is for healthy population.
Protein requirement will increase depending on the individual situation such as clinical factor like surgery, burns, disease. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers need more too.
Let’s try to calculate yourself how much protein you need to eat in a day!!!
Example: Alice is a healthy adult. She is 50kg, How much protein she should take in a day?
Answer:
-
Since the recommended protein intake for normal healthy adult (RNI 2017) is 0.8- 1.0 g/kg body weight.
-
Multiply Alice’s weight with the requirement 0.8g protein & 1.0 g protein.
50 kg x 0.8g protein = 40g
50 kg x 1.0g protein = 50g
-
Therefore Alice recommended protein intake is 40g-50 g protein / day.
You may refer to the picture to see how much is 1 serving of protein & how many grams of protein in it.
Sources of Protein Food
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Lean meat, poultry, fish and seafood
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Eggs
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Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc)
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Seeds and nuts
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Legumes
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Soy products including tofu
Conclusion:
We provide weight management meals that are low in carbohydrates and high in protein to aid muscle building. Use promo code “HOMEYBLOG” to enjoy 5% discount while ordering meals from Homey!
References:
1) RNI Malaysia 2017
2) www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Written By,
Certified dietitian
Fung Jin Yee, Bachelor of Dietetics(Hons) (UniSZA) & JL, Bachelor of Dietetics(Hons) (UKM)