What are some high quality protein sources?
We’ve already mentioned that in order for a protein to be high quality, it must contain the indispensable amino acids in the proper proportion to meet the needs of a growing child. Animal sources (meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and fish) and the vegetable protein from soybeans all meet 100% of the amino acid requirements of the young growing child and these are considered the “gold standards” for protein quality. Other good sources of protein are peanuts, lentils and rice. They score about 0.50 (out of a possible 1.0) when using the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score, the method recommended by FAO/WHO for evaluating protein quality and the method used by FDA. By comparison wheat protein scores 0.40. In typical diets, people consume a combination of protein sources and can actually meet their protein needs entirely from grains, beans, and vegetables. References 1. Protein Quality Evaluation. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. Rome, Italy. Food and Agriculture Organ
