- Protein is essential for maintaining neurotransmitters —
the chemical messengers used by the brain, the rest of the
nervous system and gut for communication. - Protein is a key element for building new cells, especial-
ly for muscles, bones, organs and glands, throughout life. - Oxygen, fats, vitamins, hormones and other compounds
are regulated and transported throughout the body with
the help of protein. - Protein is necessary to make natural antibodies for the
immune system. - Protein contains key amino acids for health. For example,
cysteine is necessary for the body to make its most pow-
erful antioxidant, glutathione, and glutamine is used to
fuel the intestine for optimal function, especially for
digestion and absorption of nutrients. - Protein is important for the production of glucagon in
relation to controlling insulin and blood sugar.
Studies continue to show that the protein recommendations by
the USDA are too low. These recommendations have resulted in
reductions in protein intake by some people, with dire health conse-
quences. Even the argument that protein can harm the kidneys, espe-
cially those with kidney problems, is losing ground as new studies
show that restricting dietary protein in those with kidney problems
can actually increase the risk of death.
Most of this confusion about protein requirements comes from
old and outdated research. When determining protein needs,
researchers measured the amount of protein taken in through food,
then measured protein by-products to determine the amount lost.
Many studies on protein requirements, especially research that estab-
lished today’s RDA levels, only measured the protein by-product
nitrogen, excreted in the urine. They failed to consider the amount
lost in sweat. This is clearly an important means for excreting the
nitrogen from protein breakdown. Urea production alone may not
82 • IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH