Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
We are a people preoccupied with protein. We have been ever since we discovered the nutrient in the mid-19th century. You might have heard that protein comes from the Greek proteios, meaning “of prime importance.” And it is important—we cannot live without it.
But judging by the level of attention granted to protein—in the mind of the public, in the history of nutrition research, in international health policy decision-making—you might think, 1) it’s more important than all other nutrients, or 2) we struggle to get enough of it.
We know that protein is not more important than other essential nutrients: nutrients our bodies cannot produce enough of to support our health. They are all important in their own way—that’s why they’re essential.
But what about the second point? Is there something about protein that makes it more difficult to obtain? Might that explain its predominant place in our collective psyche?
Just how common is protein deficiency?
Learn more: nutritionstudies.org/how-common-is-protein-deficiency
We are a people preoccupied with protein. We have been ever since we discovered the nutrient in the mid-19th century. You might have heard that protein comes from the Greek proteios, meaning “of prime importance.” And it is important—we cannot live without it.
But judging by the level of attention granted to protein—in the mind of the public, in the history of nutrition research, in international health policy decision-making—you might think, 1) it’s more important than all other nutrients, or 2) we struggle to get enough of it.
We know that protein is not more important than other essential nutrients: nutrients our bodies cannot produce enough of to support our health. They are all important in their own way—that’s why they’re essential.
But what about the second point? Is there something about protein that makes it more difficult to obtain? Might that explain its predominant place in our collective psyche?
Just how common is protein deficiency?
Learn more: nutritionstudies.org/how-common-is-protein-deficiency
