Question

Explain why wastage of essential amino acids can occur and how eating two foods simultaneously can prevent wastage.

Short answer

Wastage of essential amino acids occurs when our diet lacks one of them, halting protein synthesis despite the presence of other amino acids. Eating two complementary foods together can prevent this wastage, as they provide all the essential amino acids needed by the body in one meal.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids are building blocks of proteins, there are 20 types of amino acids, out of which 9 are termed as essential. These essential amino acids are not produced in our body, and hence need to be consumed through diet. Hence, a lack of consumption of food items rich in these essential amino acids can lead to their wastage.

Wastage of Essential Amino Acids

When the diet is lacking in one essential amino acid, even if the other essential amino acids are present in sufficient quantities, the protein synthesis can be halted. This can lead to a wastage of the other essential amino acids because they cannot be stored for future use

Eating Two Foods Simultaneously

The body cannot directly utilize the proteins. They are broken down into their constituent amino acids, which are then used to build the specific proteins required by the body. Thus, by eating two complementary foods (foods that, when combined, provide all the essential amino acids) at the same meal, one can prevent the wastage of essential amino acids and ensure complete protein utilization.

Key concepts

Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is a vital biological process whereby cells construct proteins, the fundamental components of our body's structure and functioning. Proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids linked together in specific sequences coded by our DNA.

The sequence in which amino acids are arranged dictates the protein's shape and function. This process begins in the cell's nucleus with transcription, where a single strand of DNA serves as a template to create messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA then transports the genetic code to the ribosome, the cell's protein factory, where translation occurs. Here, transfer RNA (tRNA) matches the mRNA code with the correct amino acids, constructing the protein one amino acid at a time.

This intricate procedure is highly dependent on the availability of 'essential amino acids', which, as indicated in the exercise, must be obtained from our diet because our bodies cannot synthesize them. Without the full complement of these amino acids, the protein synthesis process can stall, leading to the breakdown and wastage of the other amino acids that have already been synthesized.

Amino Acid Diet

An amino acid diet focuses on incorporating foods that collectively provide all nine essential amino acids. These essential amino acids include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. They play crucial roles in metabolic pathways, brain function, immune response, and protein synthesis.

An optimal amino acid diet typically includes a balance of animal-based proteins, such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, as well as plant-based alternatives for vegetarians and vegans. For those not consuming animal products, paying attention to the amino acid composition of their meals becomes even more significant because many plant proteins are deficient in one or more essential amino acids. Aim to include a wide variety of protein sources and analyze the nutritional content to ensure adequate intake of all essential amino acids. Consulting with a nutritionist or using diet-planning tools may aid in creating a balanced amino acid diet that supports health and prevents deficiency.

Complementary Foods

Complementary foods are two or more dietary items that together provide all essential amino acids necessary for complete protein nutrition. When we refer to the exercise, this concept becomes highly relevant as it addresses the issue of nutrient wastage.

For example, grains such as wheat or rice are low in the amino acid lysine but high in methionine, whereas legumes like beans are low in methionine but high in lysine. When consumed together, such as in the case of rice and beans, they form a complementary pair that provides all essential amino acids, much like a high-quality animal protein.

Examples of Complementary Food Pairings

• Legumes with Grains: E.g., lentils with rice or chickpeas with couscous
• Grains with Nuts and Seeds: E.g., wheat bread with sesame or peanut butter with whole-grain bread
• Legumes with Nuts and Seeds: E.g., bean salad with almonds

By strategically combining these foods, not only can one enhance flavor and variety in their diet, but more importantly, prevent the wastage of essential amino acids as described in the exercise solution, ensuring the body receives all it needs for effective protein synthesis.