Protein is one of the nutrients needed to support the metabolism and health of the body. Protein can be obtained from food, both animal and plant sources. The critical role of proteins is to form muscles and body tissues. These nutrients are also a good energy source for the body during activities.
Ideally, the body needs macronutrients and micronutrients. The two components must be balanced because the body's condition will be disturbed if there is too little or too much.
Proteins and carbohydrates are macronutrients (macronutrients) that provide the body with energy. While micronutrients (micronutrients) are nutrients that the body needs but do not provide calories (energy), such as vitamins and minerals.
Benefits of Protein
Protein is useful when the growth process of cells or body tissues is ongoing. These nutrients help repair damaged body cells. The function of proteins is essential in supporting the continuity of the body's organs. The body digests proteins into amino acids. After that, amino acids are used by the body to produce enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters (chemical compounds in the brain), and antibodies.
For example, a large amount of protein is needed when forming a network of neurons in the brain. In this case, the sufficiency of protein helps maintain the brain's cognitive function.
Excess of Protein
Although protein plays an important role and is needed by the body as a nutrient, problems arise when the protein content in the body needs to be lowered. This is closely related to the body's fat and carbohydrates. In other words, the levels of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates must be balanced in the body.
The condition of excess protein that is out of balance with the body's levels of fat and carbohydrates is known as rabbit hunger or mal de caribou. The term originated when explorers from the United States had to survive only by eating lean meats such as rabbit meat. Protein consists of amino acids that are metabolized by the liver and kidneys. The process of protein metabolism is breaking down proteins used to replace existing proteins in the body.
When the body has excess protein, it will experience increased levels of ammonia, urea, and amino acids. Excess levels of this substance then become poison in the blood. Although relatively rare, poisoning from too much protein can be fatal.
Protein Needs
Based on the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia regulation, the amount of protein required per day follows the nutrition Adequacy Rate information so as not to overdo it. Protein requirement per day based on age:
Babies
Babies 0 – 5 months: 9 grams
Infants 6 – 11 months: 15 grams
Toddlers 1 – 3 years: 20 grams
Child
Children 4 – 6 years: 25 grams
Children 7 – 9 years: 40 grams
Boys 10-12 years: 50 grams
Girls 10-12 years: 55 grams
Teen
Adolescent boys 13-15 years: 70 grams
Adolescent boys 16-18 years: 75 grams
Adolescent girls 13-18 years: 65 grams
Adult
Male 19 – 64 years: 65 grams
Men ≥ 65 years: 64 grams
Women 19 – 64 years: 60 grams
Women ≥ 65 years: 58 grams
Do not worry. To find out protein needs based on your gender, age, and weight, some applications support it.
Source: https://hellosehat.com/nutrisi/fakta-gizi/kelebihan-protein-keracunan-protein/