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Nutrition & Dietetics vocabulary · Macronutrients and Water

Protein

Meaning in nutrition & dietetics, with examples

/ˈproʊtiːn/nounCore term

In nutrition & dietetics, protein means: A macronutrient made of amino acids that the body uses to build and repair muscles, organs, skin, enzymes and hormones. It provides about 4 kcal per gram.

In Turkish: protein

How it is used

Dietitians talk about protein intake, protein requirements, protein sources and protein quality. Needs are often given in grams per kilogram of body weight per day (g/kg/day). Foods are described as 'high in protein' or 'a good source of protein', and people contrast animal and plant protein.

Example sentences

  1. Older adults in hospital often need more protein to prevent muscle loss.

  2. Chickpeas, eggs and yogurt are all good sources of protein for breakfast.

Common collocations

  • protein intake
  • protein requirement
  • high-protein diet
  • good source of protein
  • plant protein
  • macronutrientA nutrient that the body needs in large amounts, measured in grams: carbohydrate, protein and fat. Water is sometimes included in this group too.
  • essential amino acidOne of the nine amino acids that the human body cannot make, or cannot make in sufficient amounts, so they must come from protein in food.
  • lean body massThe weight of everything in the body except stored fat, including muscle, bone, organs and water. It is closely linked to strength and energy needs.
  • calorieA unit for measuring the energy that food and drink provide and the body uses. On food labels and in nutrition, 'calorie' usually means a kilocalorie (kcal).

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Macronutrients and Water

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.