Protein synthesis occurs continuously in every cell within your body. During protein synthesis, your cell "reads" your DNA to come up with a blueprint for the protein it intends to make, then links a series of chemicals called amino acids together, creating a polypeptide chain. The chain the undergoes chemical modifications and folding, generating an active protein. The steps of protein synthesis rely on a number of molecules, including vitamins that contribute to the process.
Vitamin A
One vitamin involved in protein synthesis is vitamin A, also called retinol. Retinol aids in protein synthesis by helping control gene expression -- the process by which the cell decides which proteins to synthesize at any specific time. Upon exposure to cells, retinol can bind to proteins that already exist within the cell. Upon activation, these proteins go on to interact with the cell's DNA, starting off the process of protein synthesis. A study published in the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" in 2007 indicates that vitamin A plays a role in the expression, and subsequent protein synthesis, of genes and proteins involved in cellular metabolism. You can increase your vitamin A intake, and help ensure your cells can initiate proper protein synthesis, by adding carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes to your diet.
B Vitamins
The family of B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, also play a role in protein synthesis, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. B vitamins help your body metabolize the carbohydrates, proteins and fats you take in from your diet. Upon ingestion of protein, B vitamins help break that protein down into its individual components, called amino acids. These amino acids are then re-absorbed into your body, and used in your cells during protein synthesis. Without proper digestion aided by B vitamins, your body would not have an adequate supply of all the amino acids required to make your proteins, and would therefore not be able to carry out protein synthesis.
Vitamin K
Another vitamin required for proper protein synthesis is vitamin K. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University indicates that vitamin K plays a role in the generation of proteins required for proper bone health. Specifically, vitamin K promotes protein synthesis of the two osteocalcin genes, as well as MGP. All three of these genes are required for the proper deposition of new bone tissue, allowing for a maintenance of bone density. Without the protein synthesis supported by vitamin K, your body would not be able to generate new bone tissue, and would eventually suffer bone loss that could cause osteoporosis or bone fracture. You can help ensure proper vitamin K intake, and therefore proper bone protein synthesis, by including olive, soybean or canola oils in your diet.
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