Protein Guide: the Answer Key to the Prevailing Questions

Having a balanced diet is not just beneficial for physical health, but it supports mental well-being as well. A good well-balanced diet is one that fulfills all the basic bodily nutrition requirements. A balanced diet is a rich source of all the essential vitamins and minerals. Protein, which is regarded as the building block for muscles, is one of the most essential food groups among others, namely, starch carbohydrates, and fats among others.

The macronutrient protein is one of the main components of the human body. All tissues must grow and mend, and it also serves various other purposes, such as the production of hormones and enzymes. Protein deficiencies result in muscular wasting and generally compromised bodily operations. The market for proteins continues to offer the food industry significant development potential. According to projections, the global market for protein components (including plant- and animal-based) is expected to more than double from its 2020 value of 52 billion U.S. dollars to over 70 billion U.S. dollars by 2025. Tyson Food, Inc. was one of the top producers of protein foods globally in 2020.

Fig.1: Sales value of protein food products worldwide in 2020, by the select company (USD million)

Source: Statista

The statistic displays the company-specific global sales of protein-rich food products in 2020. Tyson Foods, Inc.'s sales of protein-rich food items that year came to roughly 42.61 billion dollars, whereas Sanderson Farms, Inc.'s sales came to about 3.5 billion dollars. Protein sources, exclusively non-vegetarian sources, have dominated the market forever. A statistical measure given below will shed a greater light on this fact:

Fig.2: Estimated animal protein consumption worldwide in 2020, by source (in million metric tons)

Source: Statista

The global consumption of animal protein in 2020 is shown here, broken down by source. The FAO estimates that 129 million tons of (ready-to-cook equivalent) poultry were consumed globally that year. Alternative proteins are becoming more and more popular among consumers in wealthy nations. Since many years, meat has been the primary source of protein in developed countries, and in recent years, traditional protein has seen an increase in popularity in developing areas. However, the market for alternative proteins is expanding due to shifting consumer preferences and interest in alternative protein sources, which is partly driven by concerns about animal welfare, the environment, and health.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global milk protein market to account USD 32.42 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 7.8% in the forecast period of 2021-2028. The global milk protein market is segmented on the basis of type, livestock, form, functionality, processing method, brand and application. The population's growing need for milk-based goods, rising demand for bakery and dairy goods, and expansion of the application area in emerging economies is expected to provide ample growth opportunities for milk protein market. Europe dominates the milk protein market, as Germany is likely to be a large country-level market contributing to the European market's expansion. The Asia-Pacific market is predicted to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period, owing to increased health consciousness among consumers in the area. Some of the major players operating in the milk protein market report are Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited, Arla Foods amba, AMCO Proteins, Saputo Inc., Glanbia plc, Kerry Group plc, Havero Hoogwegt Group, Groupe Lactalis and Theo Müller Group among others.

To know more about the study, visit: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-milk-protein-market

This rising trend may be why, despite an increase in global meat consumption overall, the growth rate is predicted to decrease by 50%. Sales of plant-based foods, the primary source of alternative protein, increased by 17% in 2018. It is anticipated that the usage of alternative protein as a food ingredient in consumer goods will increase going forward. Since the global meat market is already valued at $1.7 trillion, the market for alternative proteins is currently only growing at a somewhat faster rate than the meat industry as a whole. The quantity and types of meat consumed vary greatly among ethnic groups and populations worldwide. For instance, the majority of protein consumed in the Middle East and much of Asia-Pacific comes from legumes and seafood, but Chinese consumers primarily consume beef, pig, and poultry. Comparatively speaking, the Middle East says that only a small portion of its animal protein calories come from pork. At the same time, the Middle East reports that dairy and eggs account for about half of its animal protein calories.

Fig.3: Consumer interest in alternative sources of protein (2004-2019)

Source: McKinsey and Company

With a 16 percent compound annual growth rate, the examination of consumer search queries revealed that the most popular food and beverage-product search was for vegan items (CAGR). Consumer interest in dairy-free such as products devoid of milk proteins products increased, growing at a 22%CAGR. These results are in line with McKinsey's 2018 Dairy Survey, which found that 73% of millennials and Generation Z members admitted to buying a dairy-free substitute in the previous year. Soy and dairy continue to be the top protein fortification ingredients by volume in the worldwide protein market, followed by pea, wheat, potato, and rice, according to the American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI). Soy and dairy will continue to lead the market due to their benefits in terms of price, availability, nutrition, and usefulness, but other proteins have significant appeal in certain applications, such as wheat protein for baking and pea protein as a non-GM, allergy-free substitute for soy.

Table 1: Global Supply of Protein Fortification Ingredients (estimated)

Source: American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI)

From the discussion above, it can be concluded that animal protein will probably continue to rule the industry because of essential benefits, including consumer familiarity. Plant-based products, however, have a place at the table, as shown by shifting and growing consumer concerns about traditional meat protein. Businesses have already begun to invest in alternative protein technology and will do so in the years to come. Players who can promote high-end soy protein products will probably earn the highest margins. Consumer product goods companies must stake their bets and invest in the capabilities required to match their marketing strategy and the target customer groups if they hope to gain market share over the long haul. Overall, developing alternative proteins is promising for the entire food business.

Table 2: High Protein Foods by Nutrient Density (Most Protein per 100 Grams)

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

% DV in the above table refers to % daily value. The % DV is a universal standard that takes absorption factors into account. It is the most typical objective in the U.S. and may be found on the majority of product nutrition labels. The FDA in the U.S. sets it.

Fig.4: 7 Common questions in regards to protein intake

Q1: Why is protein necessary for the body?

Also known as polypeptides, each type of protein has a unique set/sequence of amino acids. Amino acids are basically categorized into essential, non-essential, and conditional amino acids. The food supplies essential amino acids to the body, the body makes non-essential amino acids from essential amino acids by normally breaking down the proteins and conditional amino acids are needed in times of illness and stress. Consuming a good amount of protein can speed up the recovery of an injured muscle after a harsh training session and curb the hunger. Some more benefits to the body are:

• Building Muscles- Protein is a crucial component of skin, cartilage, muscles, and bones. In actuality, protein makes up a large portion of your hair and nails. Protein helps the body to improve muscle mass.
• Fixing- As discussed above, proteins can help your body create and repair tissue. Injured muscles need nutrition in the form of amino acids to repair themselves. This requirement is sufficed by consuming proteins.
• Oxidization- A protein substance in red blood cells transports oxygen throughout the body. This aids in giving your body the nourishment it requires.
• Consumption- Your body uses around half of the dietary protein you ingest each day to create enzymes that aid in digestion and new cells and other molecules.
• Control- Protein is crucial for regulating hormones, particularly during puberty when cells are changing and developing. Good hormonal development in both males and females can shield the body against numerous unwanted diseases.

Q2: How much protein does a body need?

Adults should consume at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilograms of body weight each day, or little over 7 grams for every 20 pounds of body weight, according to the National Academy of Medicine. That equates to around 50 grams of protein daily for a 140-pound person. That equates to about 70 grams of protein daily for a 200-pound person. The National Academy of Medicine also establishes a broad range for adequate protein intake, ranging from 10% to 35% of daily calories. Beyond that, there isn't much reliable information regarding the optimum protein intake or the number of calories that should come from protein in the diet. It's vital to remember that food instability causes millions of people worldwide, particularly young children, to consume inadequate amounts of protein. Malnutrition and protein deficiency have a variety of severe consequences, including stunted growth, loss of muscle mass, weakened immune systems, heart and respiratory system weakness, and even death. However, due to the accessibility of plantand animal-based meals rich in protein, it is uncommon for healthy individuals in the United States and the majority of other developed nations to experience a shortfall. In reality, many Americans get more protein than they need, especially from animal-based diets. The body requires additional protein for tissue growth and development during pregnancy. The mother and the child both gain from protein. According to the authors of one study, pregnant women should ingest 1.2-1.52 grams of protein per kilogram (1.5-0.69 grams per pound) of body weight each day. In some places, experts advise consuming an additional 0.55 grams of protein per pound (1.1 grams per kilograms) every day when pregnant. During nursing, 0.59 grams of protein per pound (1.3 grams per kilograms) of body weight should be consumed daily, plus 25 grams.

The best way to get any nutrient is through dietary sources. Suitable sources include lentils, beans, peas, lean meat, eggs, dairy goods, seeds and nuts, and tofu. Additionally, good sources are fish and seafood. Choose fish high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury during pregnancy and lactation, such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies. However, be cautious to stay away from species that may be rich in mercury, such as king mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tilefish. All of your protein should ideally come from dietary sources. Your doctor might occasionally suggest taking vitamins. However, there are no recommendations for adding more protein during pregnancy. People who are physically active require more protein than those who are sedentary, regardless of their muscle mass and shape goals. You should consume more protein if your job requires physical exertion or if you walk, run, swim, or engage in any other form of exercise. For endurance athletes, approximately 0.5-0.65 grams of protein are required for every pound (1.2-1.4 grams per kilograms) of body weight. Compared to the DRI, older people' protein requirements are much higher, averaging 0.45 to 0.6 grams per pound (1 to 1.3 grams per kilograms) of body weight. This can aid in preventing sarcopenia and osteoporosis, two serious issues that affect older persons.

Q3: Does protein have any negative health effects on the body?

Numerous health issues have been falsely attributed to protein intake. Science does not support the allegations that a high-protein diet can harm the kidneys or lead to osteoporosis. Although limiting protein is beneficial for those with renal issues, there is no proof that protein can harm the kidneys in healthy individuals. In actuality, consuming more protein may reduce blood pressure and aid in the fight against diabetes, which are two of the major risk factors for kidney disease. Protein's beneficial benefits on these risk factors outweigh any potential negative effects on kidney function. Although some have argued that eating too much protein can cause osteoporosis, evidence suggests that it can actually ward it off. In short, there is no scientific evidence as to the adverse effects of protein intake on the body or on people trying to optimize their overall health.

Q4. What are the hidden dangers of consuming protein powders?

In powder form, protein powders can be made from plants (such as soy, peas, rice, potatoes, or hemp), eggs, or milk (casein or whey protein). Other additives such as extra sugar, artificial flavors, thickeners, vitamins, and minerals may be present in the powders. 10 to 30 grams of protein can be found in each scoop. Protein is found in substantially greater amounts in supplements used for muscle growth and in relatively lower amounts in supplements used for weight loss. Utilizing a protein powder entails a number of hazards. They include:

• A dietary supplement is a protein powder. The FDA defers to manufacturers in determining a product's safety and labeling. Therefore, there is no way to verify whether a protein powder includes what its manufacturers say it does.
• The implications over the long term are unknown. Data on the potential negative effects of consuming a lot of protein from supplements is scarce.
• It might upset your stomach. People with dairy allergy or lactose intolerance may experience gastrointestinal pain if they consume a milk-based protein powder.
• It might have a lot of extra calories and sugars. There are different levels of added sugar in different protein powders (as much as 23 grams per scoop). Some protein supplements add more than 1,200 calories to a glass of milk. Gaining weight and a dangerous increase in blood sugar are the risks. A daily intake of no more than 24 grams of added sugar for women and 36 grams for men is advised by the American Heart Association.
• The Clean Label Project, a nonprofit organization, published a report about chemicals in protein powders earlier this year. Numerous protein powders were discovered to include heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury), the plasticizer bisphenol-A (BPA), pesticides, or other pollutants linked to cancer and other illnesses after researchers tested 134 items for 130 different types of toxins. There found some toxic substances in noticeable amounts. One protein powder, for instance, has 25 times the permitted level of BPA.

Q5. What's better? Protein powder or Food?

Natural or synthetic, protein is necessary for the body to operate normally. All necessary vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates are provided by natural sources of protein, although not necessarily all essential amino acids. Natural protein sources are typically derived from animals and may not be an appropriate choice for vegetarians and vegans. They are free of artificial colors and preservatives. Some forms of natural protein are pricey and labor-intensive to prepare. The synthetic sources of protein are protein powders and protein bars. They offer the necessary amounts of each important amino acid. Protein is simple to absorb and digest when it is in liquid form, such as juices. These protein supplements can be consumed right away and are quite convenient. However, artificial colors and preservatives in protein bars and powders might be hazardous to the body. Although utilizing protein supplements such as protein shakes or protein bars is more convenient, adopting natural sources is always preferable. Consume as many natural food items as you can, but if necessary, use supplements to fill in the gaps, only with a nutritionist's approval.

Q6: Does being a vegetarian or vegan mean the body is getting low protein?

Vegetarian or vegan diets are frequently criticized for possibly having insufficient protein. However, a majority of specialists concur that a well-planned vegetarian diet can include all the nutrients, including protein, that you require. However, some plant foods have a disproportionate amount of protein compared to others, and both recent and earlier research indicates that eating extra protein can help people lose weight and build muscle. Amino acid chains are the building blocks of protein. Your body can create protein using 20 different amino acids that can be found in nature. Nine of these 20 amino acids are regarded as essential, meaning that your body cannot make them on its own and that you must obtain them from food. The body can make the remaining 11 amino acids from the 9 essential ones; hence they are regarded as non-essential. All nine of the necessary amino acids are present in sufficient proportions in animal protein. All nine of the essential amino acids are also present in plants, albeit most only provide a little amount of at least one of them, with a few notable exceptions. For instance, the quantities of cysteine and methionine in various vegetables, beans, lentils, and peas are often low. On the other hand, lysine tends to be scarce in cereals, nuts, and seeds. As a result, many individuals describe plant-based diets as "incomplete" protein suppliers. But this shouldn't be a problem if you consume a range of plant-based proteins.

Q7. Does one need extra protein to build more muscles?

This is a constant message to athletes. There is the belief that consuming a lot of protein can help you gain and maintain muscular mass. Yes, very active people need more protein than the ordinary person, but this is primarily because they need more calories for energy because they burn them off faster and maintain their bodies' normal functions. Additionally, you immediately fulfil your higher protein demands if you increase your calorie intake through a balanced diet to satisfy these higher requirements. Because it digests more slowly than carbohydrates, protein might help you feel fuller for longer after meals, but it isn't a miracle weight loss cure-all. Like carbohydrates and fat, protein also contains calories, and your daily caloric intake—not the type of calories you eat—decides whether you lose, maintain, or put on weight. Accordingly, consuming excessive amounts of protein may result in excess calorie intake, which may result in weight gain depending on your individual calorie requirements. Eating a balanced diet that is neither rich nor deficient in any single nutrient is the healthiest method to reduce weight.

The soy protein market is expected to witness market growth at a rate of 7.15% in the forecast period of 2021 to 2028. Data Bridge Market Research report on soy protein market provides analysis and insights regarding the various factors expected to be prevalent throughout the forecast period while providing their impacts on the ' 'market's growth. The rise in global health consciousness is escalating the soy protein market's growth. North America dominates the soy protein market because of the rise in investments by key manufacturers within the region. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness growth during the forecast period of 2021 to 2028 due to the rise in demand of soy protein for different applications mainly as a functional food in the region. The major players covered in the soy protein market report are Archer Daniels Midland Company, DuPont, The Scoular Company, FUJI OIL ASIA PTE. LTD., Cargill Incorporated, Ingredion Incorporated, Arla Foods amba, CROWN SOYA PROTEIN GROUP, Batory Foods, Ag Processing Inc., Devansoy Inc., Gushen Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd., Wilmar International Ltd., Kerry Group, Kellogg NA Co., Doves Farm Foods Ltd. Company, Valio OyDMK Group, Axiom Foods, Inc., Amco Proteins, Smithfield Foods, Inc., and Impossible Foods Inc., among other domestic and global players.

To know more about the study, visit: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-soy-protein-market

CONCLUSION

Long strands of amino acids make up proteins. Twenty amino acids are present in the protein chain. The precise amino acid sequence determines each protein's shape and purpose. The body requires the following 20 amino acids to make protein:

• Alanine\sarginine
• Aspartic acid, asparagine
• Cysteine
• Sulfuric acid
• Glutamine\sglycine
• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine\sphenylalanine
• Proline
• Serine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Tyrosine
• Valine

The human body cannot produce nine of the essential amino acids, thus they must be obtained through food. Proteins can be full- or partial-length. Complete proteins are those that include every necessary amino acid. Complete proteins include soy, quinoa, and animal pro;ducts. Proteins lacking all necessary amino acids are said to be incomplete proteins. The majority of plant foods are lacking. Incomplete protein sources can be combined to provide a meal that contains all nine required amino acids. Examples include peanut butter on whole wheat toast or rice and beans. According to the FDA, adults should consume 50 grammes (g) of protein daily as part of a 2,000 calorie diet. A person's daily value may be more or lower depending on how many calories they consume.

Table 2: Daily recommended amounts (RDA) for protein by sex and age group

Source: FDA

Most people can get enough protein from a diversified, healthy diet. People can acquire their protein from a variety of sources for the optimum health benefits. Fish, beef, soy, beans, tofu, almonds, and seeds are a few of these. Here are some ideas for increasing the amount of protein in your diet:

• High protein snacks, including nuts, roasted chickpeas, and peanut butter should take the place of typical snacks.
• Beans and peas can be added to salads, sides, and soups. These also work well as major courses.
• Each meal should include one food strong in protein.
• By switching out a source of carbohydrate for a source of protein, you may, for example, replace your morning bread with an egg.
• Check the labels before including protein bars in your diet because they can contain a lot of sugar.

Choose lean meat, poultry, and dairy products, or remove the fat before eating, to reduce your fat intake while boosting your protein intake. Consider employing cooking techniques such as grilling that don't add more fat. Avoid processed meats and other processed meals because they may be harmful to your health. When feasible, pick nutrient-dense foods over processed ones.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the protein purification and isolation market is growing at a CAGR of 8.35% in the forecast period of 2022-2029. Protein purification is a series of processes intended to isolate one or a few proteins from a complex mixture, usually cells, tissues or whole organisms. The protein purification and isolation market is segmented on the basis of technology, product type, application and end user. North America dominates the protein purification and isolation market in terms of market share and market revenue and will continue to flourish its dominance during the forecast period. This is due to presence of a large number of protein purification market players, and developed research and development infrastructure. Asia-Pacific, on the other hand is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period due to initiatives undertaken by governments of developing countries such as India and China for the development of healthcare infrastructure.

To know more about the study, visit: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-protein-purification-isolation-market