Dear Ndagire
Defence Proteins
Proteins as antibodies helps the body to defend against infections.
Many proteins are involved in defense mechanism against invasion of foreign substances such as viruses, bacteria and cells. First are immunoglobulins or antibodies which fight viruses and bacteria, second are fibrinogen and thrombin which are blood clotting proteins that prevent loss of blood when the vascular system is injured.
Thus, proteins are one of the most important nutrient required by the body and should be supplied in adequate amounts in the diet.
Hence, diet should contain in addition to adequate carbohydrate and fat, adequate proteins which are most economically used to produce white blood cells which boosting the immune system.
Biological value
It is also important to eat proteins with biological value; biological value of protein is defined as the percentage of absorbed nitrogen retained by the body. Animal proteins like eggs, milk, meat and fish have a high biological value than vegetable proteins like rice, cereals, wheat, oil seeds groundnut and soya bean.
Immunization
In addition, those at risk (children, immunosuppressed adults etc.) ought to be vaccinated so as to become immune (protected against particular diseases). Immunization has played a major role in reducing morbidity and mortality of infections throughout the world.
