Proteins are the building blocks of the cell. This phrase is often drilled into students’ brains in various biology and nutrition classes, but it is important to understand protein’s crucial role in metabolic health. Here, we break down the need-to-knows about protein intake, and how nurse practitioners can use high-protein diets to improve patient health outcomes.
What is protein?
Proteins are large molecules comprised of amino acids. Strings of amino acids come together to build peptides and peptide chains. Each amino acid, amino acid group, and peptide chain have specific actions within the body or within the cell.
Proteins are considered an essential macronutrient, meaning that we must consume them to build adequate levels within the body. The body cannot make proteins by itself. Eating adequate amounts of protein is essential to good health and cell replication.
How much protein should an average person consume?
While several formulas are used to calculate protein needs, the bare minimum amount of protein needed to sustain life functions is about 1 g per kg of ideal body weight. For active people, those who aim to build muscle, or those with specific health conditions, protein needs may be over four times per the standard recommended intake.
There are several ways to boost protein levels in the body. Nurse practitioners should encourage patients to incorporate protein-rich foods into their diet. A ‘high-protein diet’ sources at least 20% of daily caloric intake from lean protein. High-protein diets are known to support weight loss, promote satiety, and help build muscle in the body.
How are protein levels tested?
Medical providers can test protein levels in the bloodstream using the comprehensive metabolic profile (CMP). This test is commonly ordered by providers on most patients. In addition to total protein level, this panel also evaluates albumin levels in the blood. Albumin is a protein used by the body to maintain water/fluid balance inside and outside the cell. The third protein usually included in the CMP is globulin, which is used by the body for to boost immunity and balance hormonal levels. Immunoglobulins play a vital role in the immune system and hormone synthesis.
Testing these levels is useful for optimizing a patient’s diet according to their unique needs. Adjusting protein intake can help address a number of patient concerns, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and even mood swings. Protein levels should ideally be in the middle range of the CMP. Lower levels may be indicative of mild to severe malnutrition while levels on the upper end of the range may also demonstrate poor protein intake. Abnormally high protein levels may be an indication of mild catabolism of the patient’s own muscles to obtain the necessary amino acids for metabolic processes.
More details on protein intake, measurement, and monitoring are discussed in Elite NP’s Functional Vitamin, Supplement, and Nutrition Course.
