True or False? Adequate energy intake spares dietary and body proteins so they can be used for protein synthesis.

The statement is true.

Explanation:

The ingestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins provides energy for the various functions of the body or for storage and later use. Proteins are macromolecules composed of amino acids and are one of the main nutrients for the body and for our health along with carbohydrates and fats.  Within the types of existing amino acids, there are some that are considered as "essential" for the organism. The body is not able to generate this type of essential protein, so we need to obtain them from animal foods such as milk, meat or eggs. They are considered high quality proteins. Others can be synthesized by the organism itself. In the body these amino acids are incorporated into a general reserve fund with different destinations: synthesis of different molecules (proteins, other amino acids, glucose, glutathione, vitamins, etc.), energy and catabolism. Amino acids are also used to obtain energy, in fact, proteins constitute the second most important energy store in the body after fat in adipose tissue. Amino acids can be converted to glucose and ensure the constant availability of it when glycogen stores have been consumed by fasting. The loss of amino acids varies according to the energy supply and inadequate protein intake, therefore, adequate protein intake and adequate energy intake is essential to preserve cell function and integrity, health and reproductive capacity.