What is the primary function of proteins in the body?

The primary function of proteins in the body is to build and repair tissues. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks necessary for the growth and maintenance of muscle, skin, organs, and other vital structures in the body. During periods of growth, recovery from injury, or regular physical activity, the body requires proteins to synthesize new tissues and to repair any damage that occurs to existing tissues.

While proteins can serve as an energy source, particularly when carbohydrate and fat stores are low, their main role is not to provide energy. Similarly, proteins have specific functions in enzyme production, which can aid in digestion, but this is more of a secondary role rather than their primary function. Regulating body temperature is primarily managed by other systems, such as thermoregulation mechanisms involving the skin and cardiovascular system, not directly through the action of proteins.

Through their structural, enzymatic, and functional roles, proteins are essential for overall health and well-being, making them crucial for processes like muscle repair, hormone production, and immune function. This makes their primary role in building and repairing tissues particularly significant in both everyday body function and in recovery scenarios.