Protein: Solving The Perplexity

It is a disaster that common people have been falling into this protein trap without understanding about protein quality, requirement, absorption and side effects. One should aim at getting adequate protein through diet.

- Shylasree

Protein has become a new trend in today’s fitness world. We see fitness enthusiast’s/ fitness freaks, individuals who hit gym, the ones who are trying to gain muscles and people who are on weight loss journey using protein shakes and supplements. The protein brands are being actively endorsed by sports stars and celebrities for a better marketing. It is a disaster that common people have been falling into this protein trap without understanding about protein quality, requirement, absorption and side effects.

Protein is one of the macronutrients which has various roles in the body such as growth, muscle building, tissue repair and healing, immunity, digestion and other physiological processes. The protein requirement is 1g/kg body weight in a normal adult. The protein requirement goes high in athletes, body builders, individuals who are into heavy physical activity and in some conditions like burns, AIDS, cancer, injuries etc. Protein restriction is done in cases like kidney diseases, liver diseases, phenylketonuria and other inherited metabolic disorders. Therefore, the protein requirement varies in different individuals. Protein deficiency and protein-energy malnutrition lead to kwarshiorkor and marasmus in kids respectively. Lack of adequate protein causes muscle wasting, weight loss, reduction of strength, edema, slowing down of metabolism, hair fall, poor healing, poor immunity etc. in folks.