Lowdown on proteins

Our bodies need protein for energy, but what role does the protein portion of viruses such as Covid play?

- Jennifer Bowden

Question:

I keep hearing that particular foods contain protein, which is good for you. But now I've heard that viruses also have protein - even the Covid-19 one. So, what's the real story about protein? Is protein one thing and always "good"? Or are some proteins "bad"?

Answer:

AIl living cells contain protein, including human cells and the animal-derived and plant-derived foods that humans digest and use. Interestingly, viruses also contain protein in the form of a protective coating that helps them infiltrate our cells and replicate. However, new research has shown that when people take certain medication to reduce stomach acidity, there's an increased risk of the Covid-19 virus infecting them through their digestive system.

The human body contains 15-20% protein, with those protein molecules performing a variety of roles. For example, they form enzymes to help carry out the thousands of chemical reactions in body cells, form blood transport molecules and hormones, act as antibodies in our immune system and have structural roles such as providing support for cells and our skin. All those proteins are made from the same 20 amino acids bound together in different combinations.

We need protein in our diet, so we can use those building blocks (from animal or plant protein) to create enzymes, hormones and other things necessary for life. So, effectively, our digestive system works like a child breaking down someone else's Lego creation into individual blocks, then using them for something new.

All viruses contain protein molecules, too, built from the same amino acid blocks we use. Viruses use amino acids to create a protein coating that protects the DNA or RNA they carry to infect other human cells.