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An evaluation of the protein adequacy of typical U.S. vegetarian diets
Author(s) -
Johnston Carol S,
Williams Megan
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.944.5
Subject(s) - protein quality , food science , food protein , dietary protein , medicine , zoology , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
The 2005 Food and Nutrition Board/Institute of Medicine (FNB/IOM) report utilized the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) to evaluate the protein quality of vegetarian diets and concluded that the protein recommendation for vegetarian adults did not differ from that for non‐vegetarians. However, the report lacked specific evidence for actual protein sources in vegetarian diets. This study assessed protein sources in the diets of 21 female vegetarian adults in the Phoenix area (age, 26±1 y; BMI, 21.8±0.5 kg/m2; diet duration, 6.3±1.9 y) utilizing detailed 4‐day records. The mean PDCAAS for vegetarians, 76%, varied significantly from the FNB/IOM stated value of 100%. The mean protein digestibility, 82±1%, varied significantly from the FNB/IOM stated value of 88%. Protein sources varied significantly from those in the 2005 FNB/IOM report: 34% cereals, 27% legumes, 21% dairy, 7% nuts/seeds, and 11% fruit/vegetables versus 19% cereals, 32% legumes, and 49% dairy, respectively. A comparison of available ingested protein versus the protein RDA indicated that subjects consumed 83% of the recommended protein. Thus a 20% increase in the protein recommendation may be prudent for female vegetarians in the U.S. equating to 1.0 g/kg/day. The additional protein need can be achieved by 1 additional low‐fat dairy serving per day for lacto‐ovo‐vegetarians or 1 additional serving of soy per day for vegans.