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Protein Metabolism

Proteins are responsible for most of the structure and function in our body tissues, so we probably don't want to metabolize them too extensively. In fact, the body employs several regulatory mechanisms to spare body proteins from metabolism. But, in cases of prolonged fasting, or diets high in protein (like our average American diet), we see amino acid metabolism become an important part of ATP synthesis. In fact, the average American diet has much more protein than we need and so we can even see the products of protein metabolism being used to synthesize fatty acids and triglycerides which are stored in our fat cells. When proteins undergo catabolism, they are broken down to individual amino…

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Articles of Interest

Protein Metabolism Made Easy

This article aims to simplify protein metabolism and identify what quantities are needed and the best forms to take in in our diet.

Amino acid metabolism in health and disease

Amino acids are organic compounds containing amino and carboxyl groups, which can be divided into α-, β-, γ-, δ- amino acids according to the position of the functional groups of the core structure, the most important of which are the 22 alpha-amino acids that make up proteins and 20 of these amino acids are involved in protein synthesis. Amino acids are involved in biosynthesis, neurotic transmission, and other life processes

Is protein metabolism changed with obesity?

Although it is well established that obesity is accompanied by various degrees of metabolic impairments especially in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the influence of obesity on protein metabolism is not clearly understood.

Protein Metabolism

Much of the body is made of protein, and these proteins take on a myriad of forms. They represent cell signaling receptors, signaling molecules, structural members, enzymes, intracellular trafficking components, extracellular matrix scaffolds, ion pumps, ion channels, oxygen and CO2 transporters (hemoglobin). That is not even the complete list! There is protein in bones (collagen), muscles, and tendons; the hemoglobin that transports oxygen; and enzymes that catalyze all biochemical reactions. Protein is also used for growth and repair. Amid all these necessary functions, proteins also hold the potential to serve as a metabolic fuel source. Proteins are not stored for later use, so excess proteins must be converted into glucose or triglycerides, and used to supply energy or build energy reserves. Although the body can synthesize proteins from amino acids, food is an important source of those amino acids, especially because humans cannot synthesize all of the 20 amino acids used to build proteins.

Protein metabolism and related body function: mechanistic approaches and health consequences

The development and maintenance of body composition and functions require an adequate protein intake with a continuous supply of amino acids (AA) to tissues. Body pool and AA cellular concentrations are tightly controlled and maintained through AA supply (dietary intake, recycled from proteolysis and de novo synthesis), AA disposal (protein synthesis and other AA-derived molecules) and AA losses (deamination and oxidation).

Protein-Amino Acid Metabolism Disarrangements: The Hidden Enemy of Chronic Age-Related Conditions

Here, we describe the metabolism of protein and AAs in hypercatabolic syndrome, illustrating the clinical impact of protein disarrangement.

Understanding Protein Metabolism: How Your Body Processes Protein

Understanding protein metabolism is more than just science – it's about harnessing this knowledge for better health, vitality, and wellness.