ENHP Associate Dean Addresses Protein Trends in National Geographic

Taking in a sizable amount of protein for health and fitness reasons isn’t as simple as it may seem, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Natalie Webb told National Geographic for a recently released article. 

(See the full article here if you have a National Geographic subscription.)

As more and more food products boast high amounts of protein and social media posts on the topic appear everywhere, the published piece examines how much protein people really need. Webb noted that it’s important to consider how much nitrogen might be in protein supplements, and that other nutrients remain an important part of the equation because they all work together.  

“Protein is in every food group except fruit,” Webb told National Geographic. “If you’re taking it just as a supplement—just protein, or just amino acids—you’re only going to get that nutrient,” she says. But all of the nutrients a body needs “work together as a team.”

Plus, don’t trust social media for all of your protein information, explained Webb, who serves the University of Hartford's College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions. Turn to reputable sources online or registered dieticians.