Functions of Proteins in Humans
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Proteins perform a wide variety of important functions in humans (Devlin, 1997, p. 24). These functions can be grouped into dynamic and structural. Dynamic functions include transport, metabolic control, contraction, and catalysis of chemical transformations. In their structural functions, proteins provide the matrix for bone and connective tissue, giving structure and form to the human organism. An athlete who is building muscle mass can have twice the protein intake requirement of the average person (Dolby, 1998). With American athletes, it is rare to find a protein lack since the average American already consumes two to three times the daily requirement for protein. This paper will look at the protein intake requirement of athletes, both male and female, for various types of exercise activities.Proteins and their function: Protein accounts for about one fifth of a person's weight, or just under 30 pounds for a 150 pound person (Applegate, 1996). Protein is one of the body's most versatile constituents and is made up of chains of amino acids strung together. This gives each protein strand a unique structure that ultimately dictates its function in the body. Muscle proteins propel runners; immune system proteins fight off invading bacteria and viruses; red blood cell proteins carry oxygen. There are thousands of proteins in the body, each contributing in some way to the body's health. In muscle, the proteins actin and myosin participate in contractile mechanism
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dence that protein intakes in the range he recommends will cause healthy individuals any concerns.
Protein requirements for strength and endurance athletes: Dohm (1984) wrote that endurance exercise results in a protein catabolic state characterized by decreased protein synthesis, increased amino acid oxidation, and increased conversion of amino acids to glucose. The adaptive response of performance of strength exercise, on the other hand, results in an anabolic state in hypertrophying muscles, and the accretion of protein is the result of increased protein synthesis, according to Dohm.
Because of changes in protein metabolism, Dohm continues, there is an increased dietary requirement for protein in both endurance and strength exercise. However, he felt that normal dietary intake is adequate for athletes as long as the energy intake is sufficient to maintain body weight. Dohm felt that there was little scientific evidence that consumption of large protein supplements will have any beneficial effect on muscle hypertrophy, muscular strength, or physical performance.
The debate regarding the optimal protein and amino acid intake for strength athletes has been a long one, according to Lemon (1991). He believes the available da
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Approximate Word count = 4414
Approximate Pages = 18 (250 words per page)
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