Difference between Protein and Vitamin

Key Difference: Proteins are the primary building blocks for one’s body’s tissues. The plant or animal tissue that is rich in such molecules is considered as a food source, supplying essential amino acids to the body. Vitamins are organic compounds and are mainly obtained from plants and animals.

Vitamins and proteins play a very significant role for a healthy body. However, they differ in their chemical composition and nutritional requirements.

Proteins are the primary building blocks for one’s body’s tissues. They are polymers of amino acid. There are hundreds and thousands of different proteins that are all made up of different combinations of amino acids. In proteins, there are only twenty different amino acids that are important for humans. These are combined together in various combinations to form proteins for the body. Amino acids are found in foods, and are mainly found in animal products, such as meat, legumes, nuts, seeds, fish; other vegetables have some protein too. The different amounts of fat and or carbohydrate are contained by each source of protein.

Dictionary.com defines vitamins as “any of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities to normal metabolism, found in minute amounts in natural foodstuffs or sometimes produced synthetically: deficiencies of vitamins produce specific disorders.”

 
 

Vitamins are organic compounds and are mainly obtained from plants and animals. It is true that vitamins are easily destroyed while cooking due to heat or chemical agents. Therefore, one must take care while preparing food or storing it in fridge or deep freezer. Most vitamins facilitate processes inside one’s body. They aid in the absorption, digestion and metabolism of other nutrients.

Comparison between Protein and Vitamin:

 

Protein

Vitamin

Description

The plant or animal tissue that is rich in such molecules is considered as a food source, supplying essential amino acids to the body.

Vitamins are organic compounds and are mainly obtained from plants and animals.

Essential

Growth, development, structure and function of cells, tissues, antibodies, enzymes and nucleic acids.

Nutrients that regulate metabolic functions throughout your body.

Types

  • Structural
  • Enzymes
  • Receptors
  • Collagen
  • Keratin
  • Other functional proteins

Water-soluble vitamins –

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

 

Fat-soluble vitamins – Vitamins A, D, E and K

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K

 

  • Folic acid
  • Biotin

Functions

  • Give shape and structure to cell or organelles
  • Catalyse biological reactions
  • Bind to other molecules and transmit signal
  • Have specific functions
  • Vitamin A – hair and nails are made of carotene, so it is beneficial for these two elements.

 

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) – helps to normalize heart, nervous system and muscles; and also plays an important role in mental attitude.

 

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – has some similarities as Vitamin A that also helps in eyes and skin.

 

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – can help to prevent migraine headaches; and reduces blood pressure.

 

  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – helps to reduce kidney stones from forming; and also builds up immune system.

 

  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – can increase energy levels; and also aides in memory cramps, as well as numbness in hands.

 

  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – helps with common cold and other viral infections by aiding immune system.

 

  • Vitamin D – it works best in conjunction with other vitamins and minerals.

 

  • Vitamin E – it supplies oxygen to bodies helping everyone to work longer with less fatigue.

 

  • Vitamin K – helps brittle bones from breaking and allows normal function of blood clotting.

 

  • Folic acid – helps in preventing birth defect, as well as allowing for better lactation.

 

  • Biotin – helps in the treatment of baldness and slows progression of hair turning gray.

Image Courtesy: blog.wellwisdom.com, youtube.com

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Comments

Plants can actually be greater protein source.

Nicely

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