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Type of Acid That Makes Up Protein

Protein is a part of every organ, cell and tissue in your body. Protein is necessary for healthy skin and hair and building healthy, lean muscle. It also helps your body produce enzymes and promotes a healthy immune system. Your body gets much of the protein it needs from the food you eat. Most Americans eat more than enough protein in their daily diets. Adults need 46 to 56 g of protein per day. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich has about 70 g of protein, which is more than enough.

  1. Amino Acids

    • The protein in your body is constantly broken down and replaced by new proteins. The food you eat is digested into amino acids. Amino acids act as "building blocks" that make up protein. Twenty different amino acids join to make all types of protein. Some amino acids cannot be made by your body but are essential, thus they are referred to as essential amino acids. You get essential amino acids from a combination of complete, incomplete and complementary protein sources.

    Complete, Incomplete and Complementary Proteins

    • Your body gets the essential amino acids it needs to make protein from complete protein sources. Food sources of complete proteins are milk, lean meats, fish, poultry and eggs. Incomplete protein sources are low in one or more essential amino acids. An example of an incomplete protein is rice. Combining rice with dry beans, which is also low in essential amino acids, provides a source of complementary protein. Complementary proteins are two more incomplete protein sources that provide all of the essential amino acids.

    Recommended Daily Amount

    • Men ages 19 and over should get 56 g of protein; women ages 19 and over should get 46 g of protein. Boys ages 14 through 18 should get 52 g of protein; girls ages 14 through 18 should get 46 g. Children ages 4 through 8 should get 19 g of protein; children ages 1 through 3 should get 13 g of protein.

    Protein Deficiency

    • Protein deficiency is rare in the U.S., but you may be at risk for deficiency if you eat a vegan or vegetarian diet. You can get the protein you need by incorporating legumes, grains and a variety of vegetables into your diet. Signs that you may not be getting enough protein include brittle nails, fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, fluid retention, weight loss and muscle loss.

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