Protein Glossary

Welcome to the amplifyeP24 Protein Glossary
Understanding how your body digests, absorbs, and uses protein is key to improving your health. This glossary breaks down the essential terms behind protein science in a clear, accessible way. Whether you're new to the topic or brushing up on the basics, this guide is designed to support your journey toward smarter nutrition.

Absorption

/uhb·zorp·shn/ noun.
from Latin absorbere, to ‘swallow up’
Definition: The process of nutrients moving from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Absorption vs Bioavailability:
Absorption refers to the transfer of nutrients from the digestive tract to the bloodstream, while bioavailability includes not only this transfer but also the body's ability to effectively use those nutrients.

Challenges in Protein Absorption
Inadequate absorption of dietary protein can lead to significant health consequences, including muscle loss, fatigue, impaired immune function, and poor skin, hair, and nail health.

Amino Acid

/uh·MEE·noh/ /ˈa·suhd / noun.
from Latin amino, 'ammonia' and acidus, 'sour'
Definition: The building blocks of protein. Each amino acid contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Twenty Amino Acids exist essential or nonessential
Nine amino acids must come from food (essential), while the rest can be synthesized by the body. They are vital for building over 100,000 functional proteins your body uses to carry out a plethora of functions (think tissue repair, the production of enzymes and neurotransmitters, all of which contribute to overall health).

Amino Acid Profile

/uh·MEE·noh/ /ˈa·suhd / /PROH·fyl/ noun.
from Latin amino, 'ammonia' and acidus, 'sour' + Latin profilum, 'outline'
Definition: The spectrum and proportion of amino acids in a given protein source.

Measuring protein quality
A protein's amino acid profile determines how effectively it supports bodily functions. Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids in optimal ratios.

Amino Acid Signature

/uh·MEE·noh/ /ˈa·suhd / /SIG·nuh·chur/ noun.
from Latin signare, 'to mark'
Definition: The unique pattern of amino acids that results from breaking down a protein.

A Biological Blueprint
The amino acid signature left behind after digestion can influence how proteins are used by the body. Different foods yield different signatures, impacting everything from muscle repair to mood and metabolism.

Bioaccessibility

/bī·ō·uhk·sess·uh·BIL·uh·dee/ noun.
from Latin access, ‘approached’
Definition: The proportion of a nutrient that is absorbed and used by the body. A measure of how well the body can utilize nutrients from food.

Relevance in nutrition science
Bioaccessibility is a foundational concept for understanding the true nutritional impact of foods and supplements. It indicates how much of a given nutrient is released from the food matrix (a scientific term referring to the complex interplay of a food's components - fiber, chemical compounds, water, other macros, etc), and made available for absorption.

Factors that affect bioaccessibility:

• The structure of food

• The chemical form of nutrients

• How the food was processed

• Nutrient concentration

• Your overall health and nutritional status

• Your genetic makeup

• Age and other life-cycle factors

• The composition and activity of gut bacteria
  
  

Bioavailability

/bī·ō·uh·vay·luh·BIL·uh·dee/ noun.
from Latin vita, 'life', and habilis, 'capable'
Definition: The proportion of a nutrient that is both absorbed and actively used by the body.

Key nutritional marker
Bioavailability helps determine how effective a nutrient or supplement will be. High bioavailability means your body can absorb and use more of what you consume.

Practical implications
Nutrients with low bioavailability may require higher intake or specific delivery systems to be effective. This is especially relevant when addressing age-related nutrient gaps.

Digestion

/dī·JES·chuhn/ noun.
from Latin digestionem, 'a dissolving'
Definition: The process by which food is broken down into smaller, absorbable parts so the body can use nutrients for energy, growth, and repair.

More than just breaking down food
Digestion involves both mechanical and enzymatic actions, from the mouth to the intestines. The efficiency of protein digestion impacts how much the body can absorb and utilize.

Enzyme

/ˈen.zaɪm/ noun.
from Greek: en ('within') and zume ('yeast')
Definition: Complex proteins that catalyze specific biochemical reactions at specific body temperatures. There are thousands of individual enzymes in the body, though each type of enzyme only has one job. Protease breaks down protein into amino acids.

Enzyme production and decline
With age, the body’s natural enzyme production can decline. This may reduce the efficiency of digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to common digestive complaints such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

The role of supplemental enzymes
In addition to age, factors like stress, poor diet, and certain medical conditions can contribute to lower enzyme levels. Supplementing with targeted enzymes can help break down proteins more effectively, supporting digestion and nutrient uptake.

Hydrolysis

/hĭ·DRAH·luh·sis/ noun.
from Greek hydro, 'water' and lysis, 'loosening' or 'separating'
Definition: The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.

Central to digestion
Hydrolysis is the main chemical reaction responsible for breaking down proteins during digestion. Enzymes use this reaction to reduce polypeptides into peptides and ultimately into absorbable amino acids.

Peptide

/ˈpep.taɪd/ noun.
from Greek peptos, "cooked" or "digested"

Definition: A chemical made of two or more amino acids, which combine to make protein.

Structure and function
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. They assist in cell signaling, regulate hormones, and play an active role in maintaining various physiological functions. An example of a small peptide is collagen. This small but mighty peptide is predominantly made up of three amino acids: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

Emerging applications
Peptides are increasingly used in medicine and wellness due to their regenerative properties. Scientists continue to explore how these molecules can aid in tissue repair, immune response, and age-related health.

Polypeptide

/pä-lē-ˈpep-ˌtīd/ noun.
from Greek poly, 'many' and peptos, 'digested'
Definition: A long, continuous chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds that makes up proteins.

Fundamental building blocks
Polypeptides fold into specific structures that define a protein's function. Once ingested, these long chains must be broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids for the body to use.

Protein

/prō-tēn/ noun.
from Greek prōteios, ‘primary’ or prōtos ‘first’
Definition: Any of a class of nitrogenous organic compounds that have large molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids and are an essential part of all living organisms, especially as structural components of body tissues such as muscle, hair, etc., and as enzymes and antibodies.

A lack of protein can lead to:

• Muscle loss and weakness

• A slower metabolism

• Fatigue

• Poor immune function

• Brittle hair and nails
  
  

Optimal amounts of protein are associated with:

• Satiety

• Energy

• Clarity

• Immunity

• Improved mood