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Amino acid score, in combination with protein digestibility, is the method used to determine if a protein is complete.

Methods of amino acid score calculation

PDCAAS and DIAAS are the two major protein standards which determine the completeness of proteins by their unique composition of essential amino acids.^[1]

Amino Acids

Amino acids are important in food because it aids in the body’s ability to efficiently digest food. An amino acid is a necessary chemical that is found organically in foods. Amino acids are composed of a side chain (R group), a basic amino group, and a carboxyl group. Based on an aminos R group every amino acid will react different because of shape or composition. They can be divided into four different groups non polar amino acids, polar amino acids, positively charged, and negatively charged R group. Using the amino acid score method is important for individuals to accurately determine protein intake on a daily basis.

Amino Acid Calculation

The amino acid score calculation indicates the ratio of amino acids present in food. By using an amino acid score, it can be indicated if a protein will meet all amino acid needs of the body. If the amino acid score meets the required score it will be a completed or ideal protein. To calculate the amino acid score the formula used is, the milligram of limiting amino acid in 1 gram of test protein/ the milligram of that same amino acid of reference protein multiplied by 100.^[2]

If food has a score of 100 it is to considered as a high quality protein with all the necessary nutrients. Foods that do not meet the requirement need addition nutrition. This is the reason that many people make sure to have a well balanced diet with all the nutrients needed in their daily meals. If a food does not have all the nine amino acids present it is considered an incomplete protein. Everybody's nutritional needs may be different based on age, pregnancy, gender, and protein needs which can affect the diet that is needed.

Amino Acid Production & Digestibility

The human body is capable of producing eleven amino acids, however, it is unable to produce nine amino acids. These nine amino acids consist of Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.^[3] All nine of these amino acids only come from the production of food.

Each amino acid acts differently in each body this means that every protein also reacts in a different way. Different preparations of food and added ingredients may also lead to affecting the amino acid function. In order to efficiently process amino acids two things need to be considered, the ability to process proteins and the ability to properly digest proteins in the food.^[4]

Protein or amino acids can be found in both plant products and animal products. However, each food type will have a unique amino acid and how they react or interact.

Effects of Indigestibility

Diseases can be caused from a build up of amino acids or protein in the body that isn't metabolized correctly and can affect the liver, kidneys, and intestines. One of the diseases caused by this build up is Lysinuric protein intolerance which occurs from indigestibility of lysine, arginine, and ornithine found in foods with high protein levels.^[5]