The quality of protein can be determined in different aspects. Protein quality can measure the rate at which the body absorbs protein or the ratio of the total nitrogen amount that is utilized within the body as per the total amount that is excreted. This even determines the vital amino acids, which aren’t produced by the body, those that are found in the food and the way in which the protein is digested. There are several methods to determine the quality of protein and each method has its own pros and cons.
Determining the biological value
The BV test or the biological value tests the balance of nitrogen. This is in relation to the ability of the body to digest, absorb and excrete the respective proteins which are the source of nitrogen for the body. Just as there are intact mass analysis proteins which determine the molecular weight of proteins, BV is a similar process. BV is an expensive process which tests the subjects in a pretty fast manner and then recommends a strict diet which contains protein in the sole form which is tested. In order to determine the biological value, the levels of nitrogen are compared to the whole food. If you want to know how nitrogen retention is possible, it is through a protein-deficient diet and exercise.
Protein Efficiency ratio
The protein efficiency ratio or PER is an outdated method though it is used by all governments all over the world. The lab rats are given different levels of protein and they are later on measured as and when they grow. The total amount of weight that they gain in terms of grams is later on divided by the total protein they consume in grams and this is given a PER score. Such a method is coming under criticism as it doesn’t consider the fact that human beings need different amino acids as compared to rats and then there are different variables which can’t be measured.
Chemical score determination
The chemical score compares different vital amino acids, or EAA and this measures the quality of protein. The EAA protein which is tested is set against reference protein which is given a score of 100. The lowest relative quantity to the reference protein is said to be the controlled amino acid. This amino acid usually considers ability of the protein to fulfill the nutritional needs as per the Journal of Nutrition. Nevertheless, this is a method which doesn’t pay heed to digestibility.
Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino acid score (PDCAAS)
The PDCAAS is the present gold standard for considering the quality of protein. This is utilized by Food and Agricultural Organization and also by the WHO or the World Health Organization. This refers to the quality of protein with regards to amino acid requirements among 2-5 year old human beings.
Therefore, now that you know the ways in which you proteins are tested and determined valuable, you should always check them before using them in any food items or other places.