Soy protein is a high-quality, complete plant protein that is comparable in protein quality to high-quality animal-based protein (e.g., meat, milk and eggs). As a primary source of protein, soy can help children and adults meet their daily protein needs. Soy protein is the only widely available complete source of vegetable protein.
Because of its numerous roles in the body, protein could be considered the most important macronutrient for humans
1,2. The roles of protein in the human body are numerous. Proteins function as enzymes and hormones, as transporters and receptors, and as part of the structural integrity of most organs in the body
1,2. Amino acids serve as precursors for nucleic acids, hormones, vitamins and other important molecules
1,3. With so many important roles, it is essential that humans consume enough high-quality protein each day to meet the body's demands.
The Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) is a method to measure protein quality based on amino acid requirements in humans. The PDCAAS method of determining protein quality takes the following parameters into consideration:
- the food protein's essential amino acid profile,
- the food's protein is corrected for its digestibility,
- its ability to supply the World Health Organization's amino acid, and requirements for two- to five-year-olds (the stage in life with the greatest protein demand)1,4.
The PDCAAS values for Solae soy protein isolate and other common proteins show soy protein achieves the maximum value of 1.0 and is considered a nutritionally complete protein, comparable to milk, meat and eggs.
| Solae Soy Protein Isolate |
1.00 |
| Casein |
1.00 |
| Egg White |
1.00 |
| Beef |
0.92 |
| Pea Flour Kidney Beans |
0.68 |
| Pinto (beans) |
0.63 |
| Peanut Meal |
0.52 |
| Whole Wheat |
0.40 |
| Wheat Gluten |
0.25 |
| Sources: Solae In-house data, PDCAAS Value for Solae SUPRO® Brand Soy Protein Isolate; FAO/WHO (1991), Protein Quality Evaluation; FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 51, Rome, Italy. |
Soy protein is a high-quality protein that can help fulfill daily protein requirements for young children, adults and people with special diets, such as vegetarians or those with dairy sensitivities. Solae soy protein can play an integral role in nutrition, so add more soy to your diet today.
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1 Reeds P, Schaafsma G, Tome D, Young V (2000). Criteria and significance of dietary protein sources in humans; summary of the workshop with recommendations. J Nutr, 130:1874S-6S.
2 Otten JJ, Hellwig JP, Meyers LD (2006). Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
3 Institute of Medicine (2005). Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids, Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
4 FAO/WHO (1991). Protein Quality Evaluation; FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 51, Rome, Italy.