What it means
One of the main nutrients, with carbohydrates and fats. Proteins are built from amino aciduh-MEE-noh AS-idOne of the small building blocks that join together in chains to make proteins.Full entry and form muscle, skin, enzymes, many hormones, antibodies and the hemoglobinHEE-muh-gloh-binThe iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.hem/o bloodglobin proteinFull entry in red cells. Food sources include meat, fish, eggs, milk, beans and nuts. The blood carries proteins such as albumin, which helps hold fluid inside the vessels. Protein in the urine (proteinuria) can mean the kidneys are leaking.
For the nurse
Wound healing needs extra protein; ask about intake in clients with pressure injuries or surgery. Clients with some kidney or liver diseases may need to limit it. A low albumin level can go with edemaih-DEE-muhSwelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.Full entry .
At a glance
| Spanish | proteína |
|---|---|
| Also written | protein’s, proteins |
Related terms
carbohydrate
One of the main nutrients in food, made of sugars and starches, that the body uses for energy.
amino acid
One of the small building blocks that join together in chains to make proteins.
fatty acid
A building block of fats: a chain of carbon atoms that the body uses for energy and to build cells.
wound healing
The body's process of repairing damaged skin and tissue.