Human Nutrition - Types of Macronutrients

Running head: HUMAN NUTRITION 1
Human Nutrition
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HUMAN NUTRITION 2
Human Nutrition
Introduction
This report discusses three types of macronutrients which include protein, carbohydrate,
and lipids. It describes these macronutrients in terms of their composition, biological functions,
sources, and their recommended daily intake. Besides, the report discusses conditions that can
result as a result of excess intake of these macronutrients. Furthermore, the report discusses the
conditions that can be contributed by the insufficiency of these macronutrients together with
signs and symptoms of these conditions.
1. Protein -Proteins are complex, organic compounds that contain long chains of amino
acids that form the basis of life. Proteins are important nutrients that are required by the
body for various functions.
Composition of protein
Proteins are large complex molecules that are composed of many amino acids. The amino
acids are connected through linkages referred to as peptide bonds. The peptide linkage is
produced the amino group of one amino acid reacts with carboxyl radicals of the other amino
acid. According to (Bjørklund & Chirumbolo, 2017), 20 amino acids are found in proteins that
are grouped into 7. Some examples of these amino acids include glycine, leucine, proline, and
tyrosine. Proteins are also composed of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures.
The biological functions of protein

HUMAN NUTRITION 3
Proteins have various biological functions in human beings. Proteins have been
evidenced to catalyze biochemical reactions. Proteins in this category are referred to as enzymes
that are crucial for the chemical process such as cellular metabolism and digestion (Norton et al.,
2015). Also, proteins act as chemical signaling molecules referred to as hormones. Proteins in
this category are secreted by endocrine cells and released in the body to control specific
physiological processes such as growth and development. Proteins such as hemoglobin and
albumin transport substances in the blood throughout the body. Additionally, proteins act as
defense as they protect the body from attack by foreign pathogens.
Dietary sources of protein
Various diets are rich in protein. One of these diets is meat which includes poultry and
red meat. According to (Cespedes & Hu, 2015), three ounces of meat has about 21 grams of
protein. The other dietary source of protein is fish. Other dietary sources of protein include eggs,
legumes, soybeans, nuts, and seeds.
Recommended daily intake (RDI) of protein
The amount of protein needed to meet one’s basic nutritional requirement is 0.8 grams of
protein per kilogram of body weight. Consuming high amounts of protein than the RDI can result
in an increased risk of health complications. One main condition that is caused by excess
consumption of protein is amyloidosis. Excess proteins build up in organs such as heart, kidneys,
and liver thus affecting their functions. Also, excess protein intake can result in weight gain,
diarrhea, and increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. On the other hand, insufficient protein in
the body can lead to a condition referred to as kwashiorkor. The signs and symptoms of
kwashiorkor include loss of muscle mass, fatigue, edema, loss of body weight and diarrhea.