What Does Protein Do in the Body & Why is it Important?
Generally speaking, protein plays a key role in ² ³
1. Muscle maintenance and repair
2. Immune health
3. Digestion and breaking down food
4. Satiety
5. Supporting metabolism and energy production
Protein is often called the ‘building block’ of the body, because it is made up of smaller units called amino acids. When we eat protein, it is broken down into amino acids, which are then used to support many of our body’s structures and functions, including muscles, skin, hair, nails, and organs.
One example is collagen⁴, a protein that helps support the structure of our connective tissue, skin, and bones. Another example is keratin, which is found in our fingernails and hair.
One of the most important functions of protein is maintaining and repairing muscle. The amino acids help repair tiny muscle tears and build new muscle tissue after daily activity, exercise, or injury. Over time, it also help reduce age-related muscle loss⁵, supporting mobility and strength as we get older.
Protein is also essential for recovery from illness. Amino acids are the key components in building antibodies⁶ and immune cells that help the body fight infection.
Beyond rebuilding structure and repair, protein helps form many different enzymes and hormones, which are important for key processes including digestion, metabolism, and energy production (3):
- Digesting and breaking down protein, fat, and carbohydrate so they can be absorbed efficiently.
- Carrying nutrients, oxygen and minerals throughout the body.
- Satiety: Since proteins have a complex structure, it takes longer to digest in the stomach, which helps slow down digestion and keeps us satiated for longer.
- Supporting the chemical reactions that convert food into energy and keep the body functioning normally.
