The human body synthesizes numerous proteins to support growth and development, production of enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters, stimulate the immune system and repair cells and tissues. Nonetheless, you need certain substances to support the synthesis of protein. Consult your doctor about what is needed for the body to synthesize protein.
Essential Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and act as intermediates in metabolism. There are 20 different amino acids that can be part of various proteins. Of these 20 amino acids, 10 amino acids are essential from the diet because your body cannot manufacture them, whereas your body can make the other 10 amino acids. The 10 essential amino acids in adults are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Soy and animal products, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy, are sources of complete proteins that contain all of the essential amino acids.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, also called pyridoxine and pyridoxamine, is present in cereals and other whole grains, nuts, bananas, fish and chicken. Vitamin B-6 is essential for amino acid and protein metabolism, including the synthesis of other amino acids and proteins. Your body converts vitamin B-6 from food to pyridoxal-5-phosphate, the active co-enzymatic form of vitamin B-6. Pyrodoxal-5-phosphate assists enzymes called transaminases that are involved in the production of amino acids and protein from other amino acids. A dietary deficiency of vitamin B-6 increases risks of immune diseases and mental health disorders.
Vitamin B-12
The nucleic acids DNA and RNA play a central role in determining and implementing the specific protein to synthesize. Vitamin B-12 plays a vital role in the synthesis of DNA and protein. A deficiency of vitamin B-12 can impair your ability to produce DNA, which in turn can affect protein synthesis. Vitamin B-12 is found in animal products with very high concentrations in shell fish and organ meats. Vegetarians who do not eat animal products and the elderly with malabsorption problems are vulnerable to a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Folate
Folate, also called folic acid, is a B vitamin found in dark green leafy vegetables. Folate is essential for the production of DNA and certain sulfur amino acids, such as methionine and cysteine, involved in protein synthesis. A dietary deficiency of folate decreases the synthesis of methionine, sulfur containing proteins and S-adenosylmethionine, a substance involved in cancer prevention. A deficiency of folate increases the buildup of homocysteine, which is associated with an increase in heart disease risk.
References
- McKinley Health Center University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign; Macronutrients: The Importance of Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat; 2008
- University of Arizona; The Chemistry of Amino Acids; September 30, 2003
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Vitamin B6; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; February 2002
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aging: Vitamins and Minerals
- MayoClinic.com; Vitamin B12; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Folic Acid; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; April 2002
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