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Emily Butler
01/12/2025
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CCEA NUTRITION AND FOOD SCIENCE - PROTEIN
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1 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Protein: CCEA AS Nutrition and Food Science
Emily Butler
@emilybutler_156
1 / 4
Protein Functions
Ever wondered why protein is such a big deal in nutrition? Your body uses protein for six essential jobs that keep you healthy and functioning properly.
Growth, maintenance and repair are protein's main roles. Since protein makes up all your cells, muscles, bones and organs, your body constantly breaks down and rebuilds proteins. This process keeps everything in good working order and helps you grow.
When carbs run low, protein becomes your body's secondary energy source. Through a process called deamination, your body breaks down amino acids to create energy - it's like having a backup fuel tank!
Quick Tip: Think of protein as your body's ultimate multitasker - it's involved in nearly every biological process!
Protein also maintains your water balance through its osmotic effect. Blood proteins prevent fluid from pooling in your tissues, which stops a nasty condition called oedema. Plus, proteins form enzymes and antibodies - enzymes speed up chemical reactions whilst antibodies fight off infections.
Protein Sources
Choosing the right protein sources can make a massive difference to your health. You've got three main categories to pick from, each with their own benefits.
Animal sources like meat, fish, eggs, milk and cheese pack the full range of essential amino acids your body needs. They're called complete proteins because they contain everything in the right proportions. The downside? They're often high in saturated fat.
Plant sources including beans, lentils, wheat, rice and corn are lower in saturated fat but have a limited range of essential amino acids. This means you need to combine different plant proteins to get everything your body requires.
Health Hack: Novel protein sources like Quorn, tofu and tempeh give you complete nutrition with less saturated fat - perfect for a healthier diet!
Novel sources such as textured vegetable protein, mycoprotein (Quorn), tofu and tempeh offer the best of both worlds. They're low in saturated fat whilst providing high-quality protein, making them brilliant meat alternatives.
Biological Value
Understanding amino acids is key to making smart protein choices. Your body needs 20 different amino acids, but it can't make all of them itself.
Essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and lysine) must come from your diet because your body can't synthesise them. Non-essential amino acids can be made by your body through transamination - basically recycling amino acids from digested proteins.
High biological value proteins contain all essential amino acids in the right proportions. These typically come from animal sources and are considered top-quality proteins. Low biological value proteins lack one or more essential amino acids and usually come from plants.
Remember: Biological value measures protein quality - it shows what percentage of absorbed protein your body actually uses!
The biological value tells you how efficiently your body can use a protein source. It's calculated as the percentage of absorbed protein that gets converted into body protein rather than being wasted.
Complementation and Nitrogen Balance
Smart protein combining can turn low-quality proteins into nutritional powerhouses. Complementation happens when you eat two low biological value proteins together - the amino acids in one food make up for what's missing in the other.
A classic example is beans and rice. Beans lack certain amino acids that rice provides, whilst rice lacks amino acids found in beans. Together, they create a complete, high biological value meal that's just as good as meat!
Nitrogen balance shows whether your body is gaining or losing protein overall. It compares how much nitrogen you consume (from protein) with how much you excrete. Positive nitrogen balance means you're building tissue - perfect during growth spurts, pregnancy or recovery from exercise.
Key Point: Negative nitrogen balance during illness or malnutrition shows your body is breaking down more protein than it's building - not ideal!
Negative nitrogen balance occurs during illness, injury or malnutrition when your body breaks down more protein than it builds. Monitoring nitrogen balance helps nutritionists assess whether someone's getting adequate protein for their needs.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Protein: CCEA AS Nutrition and Food Science
Emily Butler
@emilybutler_156
Protein is absolutely crucial for your body - it's not just about building muscle! From keeping your immune system strong to helping transport oxygen around your body, protein does way more than you might think.
Protein Functions
Ever wondered why protein is such a big deal in nutrition? Your body uses protein for six essential jobs that keep you healthy and functioning properly.
Growth, maintenance and repair are protein's main roles. Since protein makes up all your cells, muscles, bones and organs, your body constantly breaks down and rebuilds proteins. This process keeps everything in good working order and helps you grow.
When carbs run low, protein becomes your body's secondary energy source. Through a process called deamination, your body breaks down amino acids to create energy - it's like having a backup fuel tank!
Quick Tip: Think of protein as your body's ultimate multitasker - it's involved in nearly every biological process!
Protein also maintains your water balance through its osmotic effect. Blood proteins prevent fluid from pooling in your tissues, which stops a nasty condition called oedema. Plus, proteins form enzymes and antibodies - enzymes speed up chemical reactions whilst antibodies fight off infections.
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Protein Sources
Choosing the right protein sources can make a massive difference to your health. You've got three main categories to pick from, each with their own benefits.
Animal sources like meat, fish, eggs, milk and cheese pack the full range of essential amino acids your body needs. They're called complete proteins because they contain everything in the right proportions. The downside? They're often high in saturated fat.
Plant sources including beans, lentils, wheat, rice and corn are lower in saturated fat but have a limited range of essential amino acids. This means you need to combine different plant proteins to get everything your body requires.
Health Hack: Novel protein sources like Quorn, tofu and tempeh give you complete nutrition with less saturated fat - perfect for a healthier diet!
Novel sources such as textured vegetable protein, mycoprotein (Quorn), tofu and tempeh offer the best of both worlds. They're low in saturated fat whilst providing high-quality protein, making them brilliant meat alternatives.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Biological Value
Understanding amino acids is key to making smart protein choices. Your body needs 20 different amino acids, but it can't make all of them itself.
Essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and lysine) must come from your diet because your body can't synthesise them. Non-essential amino acids can be made by your body through transamination - basically recycling amino acids from digested proteins.
High biological value proteins contain all essential amino acids in the right proportions. These typically come from animal sources and are considered top-quality proteins. Low biological value proteins lack one or more essential amino acids and usually come from plants.
Remember: Biological value measures protein quality - it shows what percentage of absorbed protein your body actually uses!
The biological value tells you how efficiently your body can use a protein source. It's calculated as the percentage of absorbed protein that gets converted into body protein rather than being wasted.
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Improve your grades
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Complementation and Nitrogen Balance
Smart protein combining can turn low-quality proteins into nutritional powerhouses. Complementation happens when you eat two low biological value proteins together - the amino acids in one food make up for what's missing in the other.
A classic example is beans and rice. Beans lack certain amino acids that rice provides, whilst rice lacks amino acids found in beans. Together, they create a complete, high biological value meal that's just as good as meat!
Nitrogen balance shows whether your body is gaining or losing protein overall. It compares how much nitrogen you consume (from protein) with how much you excrete. Positive nitrogen balance means you're building tissue - perfect during growth spurts, pregnancy or recovery from exercise.
Key Point: Negative nitrogen balance during illness or malnutrition shows your body is breaking down more protein than it's building - not ideal!
Negative nitrogen balance occurs during illness, injury or malnutrition when your body breaks down more protein than it builds. Monitoring nitrogen balance helps nutritionists assess whether someone's getting adequate protein for their needs.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Food Technology
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user