Dietary Proteins and Health

Proteins are a significant component of the food we eat and are involved in all the diverse processes of the body. They are a type of biomolecule that are polymers of different amino acids linked by a peptide bond. The diverse amino acids and the multiple combinations and interactions possible between them give protein the unique status amongst all biomolecules as being not only the most abundant organic molecule in living systems but also the one with the most diversity in both structure and function. The diverse functions that proteins are involved in range from DNA replication to cellular signalling, to immunogenic defence mechanisms, tissue remodelling, enzyme activity, oxygen transport, etc. Muscle, bone, skin, hair, and all body tissues include proteins. The important discoveries/studies in the field of protein nutrition are shown in Fig. 7.1.