Vitamin and Proteins: Difference Between Vitamins and Proteins

  • Author :
  • TATA AIG Team
  • Last Updated On :
  • 25/09/2023

In today’s age, we have learnt that a healthy diet is a balanced diet including all varieties and colours of natural, organic, and unprocessed foods. For your body to function at its optimal best, it is necessary to get the correct intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre, and water, among other nutrients. Carbs, fats, and proteins fall under the category of macronutrients – or nutrients that you need in a larger quantity. While vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre fall in the category of micronutrients – nutrients that you need in a small quantity. Read on to know the difference between vitamin and protein, their benefits, and the food sources you can get them from.

What are Vitamins?

In scientific terms, vitamins are organic molecules or essential nutrients needed in small amounts in the body. The body does not produce vitamins by itself, so you have to derive them from a nutrient-rich diet or supplements. The core vitamins and minerals function to regulate the metabolic abilities of the body. The physiological or metabolic functions contribute to the normal functioning, growth, and development of cells in the body. There are two types of vitamins – fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins need dietary fat from plant, animal, and supplement sources to get absorbed by the body. They get stored in the fatty tissues of the body and include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Water soluble vitamins are those vitamins absorbed, used, and stored in the water element of your body. Water soluble vitamins include B vitamins – folate, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and Vitamin C. In total, the body needs 13 vitamins.

What are Proteins?

According to the scientific explanation, proteins are biomolecules or macromolecules made up of linear amino acids constituting chains or building blocks. Ribosomes in the human body are where protein is synthesised, however, you get protein from various plant and animal dietary sources. There are thousands of proteins in the body, but you can categorise them into 7 broad types – antibodies, enzymes, contractile proteins, hormonal proteins, storage proteins, structural proteins and transport proteins. Proteins are necessary for the preparation and generation of cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and even bones. The human body relies heavily on protein during periods of intense function like illness, injury, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Proteins also maintain the structure and overall form of the body on every level. An appropriate protein intake can help in losing fat, reducing weight, retaining muscle, and improving the feeling of satiety in the body. There are plenty of other functions of protein which is why it is a macronutrient needed in large quantities.

What are Some Protein and Vitamin-rich Foods?

To ensure your body is running at its best capacity and getting the vitamin and protein intake it requires, you need to consume the proper foods. These are examples of protein and vitamin-rich foods that supply the body with vitamins and proteins.

Vitamin-rich foods 0
Vitamin C • Fruits like oranges, strawberries, and citrus fruits.
  • • Vegetables like spinach, brussel sprouts, bell peppers
  • Vitamin A • Beef
  • Liver
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Mangoes
  • Vitamin D • Milk
  • Fatty fish
  • (even 15 mins in the morning sunlight or a supplement can help)
  • Vitamin E • Vegetable oil
  • Leafy green veggies
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts like almonds
  • Vitamin K • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Cabbage
  • Kal
  • Protein-rich foods
    Chicken Paneer
    Milk Fish
    Eggs Quinoa
    Beef Beans
    Mutton Legumes
    Pulses Nuts

    What is the Difference Between Vitamin and Protein?

    " " " "
    Vitamins  Proteins 
    Nutrient type  Micronutrient  Macronutrient 
    Function  Responsible for the regulation of metabolism and metabolic functions in the body  Responsible for the growth, structure, and regeneration of the cells, antibodies, tissues, muscles, bones, and enzymes in the body 
    Benefits 
  • Helps in maintaining healthy skin, teeth, bones, tissue, mucus, and cell membranes (Vitamin A) 
  • Helps in maintaining healthy gums, teeth, and tissues. Helps in iron absorption, healing of wounds, and boosting immunity (Vitamin C) 
  • Helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to boost bones, teeth, and muscle health (Vitamin D) 
  • Helps in the formation of red blood cells, blood coagulation, and bones (Vitamin E & K) 
  • Supports healthy heart and nerve function (vitamin B1/ thiamine) 
  • Helps in growth and red blood cell formation (vitamin B2/ riboflavin) 
  • Helps in lowering cholesterol, maintaining glowing skin, and regulating the nervous system (vitamin B3/ niacin) 
  • Helps in the production of hormones and boosting of metabolism (vitamin B5/ pantothenic acid)
  • Helps in brain function (Vitamin B6/ pyridoxine) 
  • Supports skin, hair, nails, and hormone production (Vitamin B7/ biotin) 
  • Helps in the formation of red blood cells and DNA (Vitamin B9/ folate) 
  • Helps support the central nervous system and metabolism (Vitamin B12/ cobalamin) 
  • Helps in reducing fat, and weight
  • Helps in increasing muscle mass
  • Helps maintain bone strength
  • Helps increase metabolism
  • Helps in lowering blood pressure
  • Reduces hunger levels and increases the feeling of fullness
  • Helps in the repair of the body after an illness, injury, or during an intense change like pregnancy/ breastfeeding
  • Types  13 types – water soluble and fat soluble  7 core types 
    Ideal intake   As prescribed by a medical professional  0.8 gm per kg of body weight / 54 gm per day/ as prescribed by a medical professional/ nutritionist 

    Is Health Insurance Necessary if You Have a Healthy Diet?

    While maintaining a healthy diet is essential to minimise the stress and illnesses in life, it does not exempt you from being the recipient of various diseases, ailments, or physical injuries. No one in life is prone to unforeseen or life-altering eventualities, and even after taking the maximum precaution, it takes a split second to get exposed to them. At such times, what you need is immediate medical assistance and ample financial health to recover. Instead of relying on your savings, exhausting funds, or borrowing from family and friends, it is prudent to receive financial support from a medical insurance plan. The benefits of health insurance are many. From financial coverage during a medical crisis to having the hospital cover the costs of surgery, recovery, and medicines - you get holistic protection. Think of health insurance like a parachute – necessary to secure the jump of life.

    To Conclude

    Both vitamins and proteins are equally important in one’s diet to maintain health. Focusing on including only one of them in your diet can cause serious deficiencies and health problems, which is why a balance is crucial. Knowing the difference between protein and vitamin can help you identify what’s lacking in your diet and incorporate foods rich in vitamins and proteins. You should also ensure that the intake of vitamins and proteins should not exceed the recommended dietary allowances. Do not have them at your own discretion. Always consult a doctor or a nutritionist to know the ideal consumption per your gender, age, and unique health needs.

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