Protein is a nutrient your body requires for proper health, although most people consume more protein than they need, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dairy products provide a natural source of protein. Vitamin and mineral supplements help ensure you consume adequate amounts of certain nutrients, but most multivitamins do not contain a measurable amount of protein.
Protein
Every cell in your body contains some protein. Most people in the United States consume adequate amounts of protein through a balanced diet. The recommended amount of protein for most adult women is 45 grams per day, while most adult men require about 56 grams of protein per day. The amount of protein in your diet should account for 10 to 35 percent of your daily calories. Amino acids provide the building blocks for the protein that your body continually breaks down and replaces. Your body manufactures some amino acids, while others must come from food sources. Dairy products provide a complete protein source, meaning the protein in these products includes all the essential amino acids.
Multivitamin Supplements
Unless the label specifically states the inclusion of protein, multivitamin supplements generally don’t contain this nutrient. Multiple vitamin and mineral supplements can’t provide the necessary protein your body requires, warns Brown University. Vitamins and minerals are specific nutrients your body requires for various functions. The amount of vitamins and minerals in multivitamin supplements can vary greatly. No standard regulatory definition exists for multivitamin and mineral supplements, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Dairy
Dairy products provide a dietary source of protein. This food group contains milk products in various forms, including cheese and ice cream. One cup of whole milk contains about 8 grams of protein. Dairy products also provide a source of certain vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene and choline.
Precautions
Although taking multivitamin and mineral supplements may help you avoid nutritional deficiencies, they do not make up for a balanced diet that contains protein, carbohydrates and fats. Discuss vitamin supplementation with your doctor. Vitamins and minerals may interact with some medications. Select low-fat or nonfat varieties of dairy products to avoid excess calories and fat in your diet.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Frequently Asked Questions
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements
- Brown University Health Education: Nutrition Supplements
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Milk, Whole 3.25% Milkfat, Without Added Vitamin D and Vitamin A
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protein
Member Comments