All about proteins

Proteins: Essential Macronutrients in the Diet

Alongside fats and carbohydrates, proteins represent one of the three main groups of macronutrients, which are the components of food that contribute to energy intake.

A protein is made up of a chain of small molecules called amino acids. About twenty amino acids can be found within the body: our body can produce about twelve from food when necessary. The other eight amino acids, known as "essential" amino acids, must be provided through the diet.

Multiple Benefits

Proteins have numerous health benefits due to the various functions they perform within the body:

• They contribute to muscle tissue structure and play a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass and autonomy.
• They support the normal functioning of the immune system and protect the body against external threats, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
• They are involved in many other physiological processes, such as digestion, hormonal signaling, and oxygen transport.

Proteins at Every Meal

The proteins provided by the diet are essential for maintaining muscle mass and the immune system's effectiveness. If protein intake is insufficient, the body draws proteins from muscles. Therefore, a daily intake of sufficient protein is vital to preserve muscle mass and autonomy.

Seniors are among those most at risk of insufficient protein intake. It is recommended that older adults consume between 25 and 30 grams of protein at each meal to help maintain muscle mass. This intake is especially important for older adults, as it helps reduce the risk of protein deficiency and a condition known as sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass.