Protein for Immunity
Protein is needed to both build and repair body tissue and to fend off viral and bacterial infections. In fact, antibodies and immune system cells depend on protein.
Even the important immune booster, vitamin C, synthesizes the amino acid methionine from homocysteine.
In fact, a 2012 study out of Japan proved that supplementation with the amino acids arginine, glutamine and leucine was just as important as vitamin C and other vitamins in supporting immunity and overall health.
And according to a paper published in the British Journal of Nutrition, not getting enough amino acids or protein in our diet has long been known to lower immune function and increase our vulnerability to infectious disease.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, protein plays a super-important role in the body's immune system, especially for healing and recovery.
In fact, immune system powerhouses, such as antibodies and immune system cells, depend on protein. Too little protein in the diet can lead to weakness, fatigue and poor immunity.
A recent study points to the importance of amino acids in immunity. Increasing evidence shows that dietary supplementation of specific amino acids enhances immunity, with arginine, glutamine and cysteine topping researchers’ lists as some of the most effective aminos.
Plus, protein malnutrition reduces concentrations of most amino acids in plasma. In fact, one of the reasons that protein is immunity royalty is that the antibodies that help fight these “bugs” are actually made of protein.
