Egg white (protein)

Egg whites, also Proteins called, describe a third indispensable group of nutrients in addition to carbohydrates and fats. They serve less as a supplier of energy, rather they are irreplaceable building blocks for the human body.

What is egg white (protein)?

Egg whites are vital and complex building materials for the human organism. The macromolecules made up of amino acids take on important functions, for example in cell structure or as a means of transport.

Proteins in the human body are made up of 21 different amino acids. Combined with each other in different types, a protein structure is created, which determines the respective function in the body. Amino acids can be divided into essential and non-essential amino acids. The body can produce the latter itself. The eight essential amino acids, on the other hand, have to be taken in with food as they take on vital functions in the metabolism.

Animal proteins are more similar to human proteins than vegetable proteins, which is why they are of greater importance in nutrition. The spatial structure and the surface structure of proteins also play an important role in the mode of action.

Meaning & function

The body can get out Proteins build a whole range of important fabrics. Many of these substances are responsible for important metabolic processes. The regulation of cell division or the control of some genes falls to the proteins, for example.

The most common type of protein is found in enzymes and hormones. With their help, almost all vital metabolic processes are controlled and maintained. Proteins are largely responsible for the structure and structure of the body. As so-called structural proteins, they determine the structure of a cell. They give bones, connective tissue and the skin their structure and ultimately their appearance.

In the muscles, through myosins and actins, they ensure the contractions of the muscles and thus the ability to move. They play another important role in the body's protective and defensive functions.

They are an integral part of antibodies and thus a vital raw material in the defense against harmful substances and pathogens. In the form of fibrinogen and thrombin, they make a significant contribution to protecting the body during blood clotting.

As a means of transport such as hemoglobin or myoglobin, they take on the transport of various substances such as iron, oxygen or vitamins. On the other hand, they have a less important function as reserve substances. If the body is not adequately supplied with food, proteins can also be converted into energy. Since protein is found in large quantities in muscles, spleen and liver, the body quickly attacks the muscles when there is an insufficient supply.

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Dangers, disorders, risks & diseases

The diverse range of tasks of protein makes an adequate supply vital. An undersupply is very rare in the industrialized nations. Deficiency symptoms can only occur with a diet that is heavily reduced in protein. The normal daily requirement of around 10g per kilogram of body weight is usually covered by the daily diet.

In regions with severe starvation, however, there is often a protein deficiency. If the body lacks protein, this is initially noticeable in a decrease in performance. The concentration decreases, tiredness and muscle weakness increase. Hair loss and muscle breakdown are common. A lack of protein is also responsible for a faster aging process.

If the body lacks important proteins, the immune system is weakened in the long term, as sufficient antibodies can no longer be formed. The susceptibility to infection increases and the body is also weakened. If there is a massive protein deficiency, increased water retention, so-called edema, occurs.

Due to their growth, children have an increased need for protein, as do pregnant and breastfeeding women. A protein deficiency often has the effect of stunted growth. In severe cases, the protein deficiency disease kwashiorkor occurs. Children who suffer from this disease often have a swollen stomach due to edema.

If the body lacks the essential amino acids, this can ultimately lead to death, since important metabolic processes can no longer be carried out. Some consequential damages, such as stunted growth, are irreparable. On the other hand, the point at which over-supply harbors health risks has not yet been sufficiently clarified and documented.