Whey Protein

Food protein supplies amino acids (AAs) that are required for the structure of skin, muscle, bone, teeth, and connective tissue as well as the production of other functional components of the body (e.g., hormones, neurotransmitters, enzymes, and immunoglobulins). Unlike carbohydrates and lipids, which can be stored in the form of glycogen and body fat respectively, the body does not maintain an easily expendable store of protein.

Protein plays an essential role in the human diet as a source of amino acids (AAs) and nitrogen. Prosthetic groups, which are covalently bound to the amino acid backbone, can also be considered part of the protein structure. These groups have important nutritional, physiological, and technological functions, further enhancing the value of proteins in our diet.

To maintain optimum health and support growth, the body needs to be regularly provided with adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids (EAAs). EAAs are those AAs that cannot be synthesized by the human body and need to be acquired through the diet. The ability of protein to supply the required amounts of each EAA and nitrogen in digestible form is related to protein quality. The relevance of protein quality and its impact on nutrition and health outcomes is especially important when considering vulnerable populations who generally more strongly rely on plant-based diets.