Each of these polypeptide chains is made up of amino acids, which are joined together in a detailed, deliberate and specific order. What do proteins do for the body? Proteins play vital roles in human biochemistry, primarily serving as the body's building blocks.

Understanding the Context

Proteins are large molecules made up of chains of amino acids that are important for cell function, tissue structure, and body regulation. Most people in the U.S. consume more protein than needed, with dietary guidelines suggesting about 6.5 ounces per day for men and about 5 ounces for women. Proteins are made up of hundreds or thousands of smaller units called amino acids, which are attached to one another in long chains.

Key Insights

There are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined to make a protein. Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many important roles in the body. They are critical to most of the work done by cells and are required for the structure, function and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. High-protein foods such as beans, meat, fish, cheese, eggs, and nuts give us both energy and building blocks to grow and maintain a healthy body. The proteins we eat are broken down into their individual amino acid building blocks.

Final Thoughts

We reuse these amino acids to build new proteins. MSN: Protein Powders and Supplements: What Your Body Really Gets (and What It Doesn’t) How much protein is actually enough? And does the timing of when you eat it really make a difference? The sight of a bodybuilder walking out of a gym with a giant tub of protein powder was almost a ... Protein Powders and Supplements: What Your Body Really Gets (and What It Doesn’t)