Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many crucial roles in the body – they are not just for beefy muscles! Proteins do most of the work required for the structure, function and regulation of the body’s tissue and organs, and are used as a source of fuel when glycogen levels are low. They also produce antibodies to help protect the body from viruses and bacteria, and produce enzymes to carry out chemical reactions that take place in cells, plus they assist with the formation of new molecules by reading the genetic information stored in DNA. Proteins help bind and carry atoms, and there are also messenger proteins used for signals and biological processes between cells, tissues and organs.