Protein-quality evaluation of complementary foods in Indian children

ABSTRACT Background The types of food in complementary feeding of infants and young children are important for growth and development. Food protein quality, as measured by the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS), requires the determination of true ileal digestibility of indispensable amino acids (IAAs) in children. Objectives First, the aim of this study was to measure the true ileal IAA digestibility of 4 (rice, finger millet, mung bean, and hen egg) commonly consumed complementary foods in children aged <2 y using the dual-isotope tracer method. Second, we calculated the DIAAS of complementary feeding diets and their relation to stunting in a representative Indian rural population. Design Rice, finger millet, and mung bean were intrinsically labeled with deuterium oxide (2H2O), whereas egg was labeled through oral dosing of hens with a uniformly 2H-labeled amino acid mixture. True ileal IAA digestibility was determined by the dual-isotope tracer technique. The DIAAS of complementary food protein was calculated in children aged 1–3 y from a nationally representative survey to evaluate its relation with stunting. Results True ileal IAA digestibility was lowest in mung bean (65.2% ± 7.1%), followed by finger millet (68.4 %± 5.3%) and rice (78.5% ± 3.5%), and was highest for egg (87.4% ± 4.0%). There was a significant inverse correlation of complementary food DIAAS with stunting in survey data (r = −0.66, P = 0.044). The addition of egg or milk to nationally representative complementary diets theoretically improved the DIAAS from 80 to 100. Conclusions The true ileal IAA digestibility of 4 foods commonly consumed in complementary diets showed that the DIAAS was associated with stunting and reinforces the importance of including animal source food (ASF) in diets to improve growth. This trial was registered at http://ctri.nic.in/clinicaltrials/login.php as CTRI/2017/02/007921.

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Are Dietary Amino Acids or Protein Quality Associated with Infant Length Gain from 6 to 12 Months in Rural Malawi? (P10-010-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz034.p10-010-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Andrew Matchado ◽

Kathryn Dewey ◽

Christine Stewart ◽

Per Ashorn ◽

Ulla Ashorn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Amino Acid ◽

Breast Milk ◽

Protein Quality ◽

Complementary Food ◽

Complementary Foods ◽

Acid Intake ◽

Dietary Amino Acid ◽

Amino Acid Intake ◽

Length Gain

Abstract Objectives 1) to estimate the probability of inadequate amino acid intake among infants 9–10 months of age in rural Malawi 2) to evaluate whether dietary amino acid intake or protein quality are associated with length gain from 6 to 12 months of age Methods We assessed total amino acid intake from breast milk and complementary foods in 285 infants. Breast milk intake and complementary foods were estimated using dose-to-mother deuterium oxide dilution method and repeat 4-pass interactive 24-hour recall interviews, respectively. Amino acid composition values were taken from FAO human milk profile, Tanzania Food Composition table and International Minilist. Protein quality was estimated using Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS). Probability of intake below Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for each amino acid was estimated using National Cancer Institute (NCI) method. We estimated protein quality of complementary food using median DIAAS. We assumed a DIAAS of ≥0.75 to represent a diet or food with good protein quality. Relationships between amino acid intake or protein quality with length gain were assessed using regression models. Length was measured at 6 and 12 months of age and length for age z-score (LAZ) velocity was calculated (ΔLAZ/months). Results The probability of inadequate amino acid intake from breast milk and complementary food that included a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) was 3% for lysine, 0% for tryptophan, threonine, valine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, sulfur containing amino acids (SAA), and aromatic amino acids (AAA). Without LNS, the probability was 7% for lysine and 0–2% for the other amino acids. The median (interquartile range) DIAAS for complementary food with and without LNS was 0.70 (0.28) and 0.64 (0.32), respectively. Dietary amino acid intake and protein quality were not significantly associated with length gain velocity from 6 to 12 months even after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusions The prevalence of inadequate amino acid intake in 9–10 months old infants in rural Malawi is very low. However, in conditions of frequent clinical or sub-clinical infections this situation may be different. Linear growth at 6–12 months does not appear to be limited by dietary amino acid intake or protein quality in this setting. Funding Sources The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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Dietary Protein Quality in Humans—An Overview

Journal of AOAC International ◽

10.1093/jaoac/88.3.874 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 88 (3) ◽

pp. 874-876 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Paul J Moughan

Keyword(s):

Amino Acid ◽

Nutritive Value ◽

Protein Quality ◽

Current Method ◽

Protein Digestibility ◽

Food Protein ◽

Amino Acid Utilization ◽

Dietary Amino Acid ◽

Amino Acid Requirements ◽

Amino Acid Score

Abstract The first objective in evaluating protein quality is to permit a ranking of proteins according to their potential nutritive value and to permit detection of changes in nutritive value due to processing and/or storage. The second objective is to permit prediction of the contribution a food protein, or mixture of food proteins, makes toward meeting nitrogen and amino acid requirements for growth or maintenance. Different approaches are used in meeting these distinct aims. The preferred current method to meet the second aim is the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). This article introduces the concept of PDCAAS and places it in the context of the series of papers published in this Special Guest Editor Section addressing aspects of dietary amino acid utilization.

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True ileal digestibility of legumes determined by dual-isotope tracer method in Indian adults

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ◽

10.1093/ajcn/nqz159 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 110 (4) ◽

pp. 873-882 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Sindhu Kashyap ◽

Aneesia Varkey ◽

Nirupama Shivakumar ◽

Sarita Devi ◽

Rajashekar Reddy B H ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mung Bean ◽

Deuterium Oxide ◽

Protein Digestibility ◽

Plant Protein ◽

Tracer Technique ◽

Feeding Method ◽

Dual Isotope ◽

Ileal Digestibility ◽

Isotope Tracer ◽

Plant Protein Sources

ABSTRACTBackgroundGood-quality plant protein sources are important for protein adequacy in a balanced diet. Legumes are known to be a source of good quality plant protein, but the true ileal digestibility of indispensable amino acids (IAAs) of commonly consumed legumes is not known in humans.ObjectivesIn this study we measured the true ileal IAA digestibility of 2H-intrinsically labeled chickpea, yellow pea, and mung bean (hulled and dehulled) protein, using the dual-isotope tracer technique referenced to a standard protein ([U-13C] spirulina). The study also aimed to validate the use of [U-13C] spirulina as a reference protein in this method.Methods2H-intrinsically labeled legumes, obtained by watering plants with deuterium oxide (2H2O), were administered in a plateau feeding method to healthy Indian adults to measure their true ileal IAA digestibility with the dual-isotope tracer technique, using [U-13C] spirulina protein or a 13C-algal IAA mixture as the standard.ResultThe true ileal IAA digestibilities (mean ± SD) of chickpea, yellow pea, and mung bean were 74.6 ± 0.8%, 71.6 ± 1.3%, and 63.2 ± 1.5%, respectively. The true mean ileal IAA digestibility of mung bean when referenced to [U-13C] spirulina protein or a 13C-algal IAA mixture did not differ significantly (63.2 ± 1.5% versus 64.0 ± 2.4%, P > 0.05). The true ileal IAA digestibility of mung bean improved to 70.9 ± 2.1% after dehulling.ConclusionsThe true mean ileal IAA digestibility of legumes in healthy Indian adults was lower than expected. Traditional processing techniques such as dehulling improve protein digestibility by about 8%. This study was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI): CTRI/2017/11/010468 (http://ctri.nic.in, accessed on 28/03/2019).

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Ileal digestibility of intrinsically labeled hen's egg and meat protein determined with the dual stable isotope tracer method in Indian adults

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ◽

10.1093/ajcn/nqy178 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 108 (5) ◽

pp. 980-987 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Sindhu Kashyap ◽

Nirupama Shivakumar ◽

Aneesia Varkey ◽

Rajendran Duraisamy ◽

Tinku Thomas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acid ◽

Tracer Method ◽

Dual Isotope ◽

Ileal Digestibility ◽

Egg White Protein ◽

Meat Protein ◽

Isotope Tracer ◽

Hen’S Egg ◽

The Mean ◽

Cooked Meat

ABSTRACTBackgroundProtein quality assessment through the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score requires accurate measurements of true ileal protein and amino acid digestibility, for which a dual isotope technique was recently developed. However, the ileal digestibility of indispensable amino acids (IAA) in humans from high-quality proteins is not well known.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to intrinsically label hen's egg and meat protein by the use of uniformly 2H-labeled amino acids, and to measure their true ileal indispensable amino acid (IAA) digestibility via the dual isotope method in humans.Design2H-labeled lyophilized boiled egg white protein, whole boiled egg, and cooked meat were obtained from layer hens (BV-300) administered a uniformly 2H-labeled amino acid mix orally for 35 d with their daily feed. The ileal IAA digestibility of these proteins was determined with reference to digestibility of previously characterized [U-13C]spirulina in a dual tracer method in healthy Indian subjects whose intestinal health was measured by the plasma kynurenine-to-tryptophan (KT) ratio.ResultsAll subjects had normal KT ratios. The mean ± SD true ileal IAA digestibility of 2H-labeled egg white protein, whole boiled egg, and cooked meat was 86.3% ± 4.6%, 89.4% ± 4.5%, and 92.0% ± 2.8%, respectively. Leucine digestibility correlated with the KT ratio (r = −0.772; P = 0.009).ConclusionsUniformly 2H-labeled hen's egg and meat protein can be used to measure ileal IAA digestibility by the dual isotope tracer approach in humans. The mean IAA digestibility values for these high-quality proteins in the healthy Indians studied were similar to values obtained in earlier human and animal experiments. Leucine digestibility in these meal matrices correlated with the KT ratio, but this aspect needs further evaluation. This trial was registered at the Clinical Trials Registry of India (http://ctri.nic.in) as CTRI/2018/03/012265.

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Amino Acid Digestibility of Extruded Chickpea and Yellow Pea Protein is High and Comparable in Moderately Stunted South Indian Children with Use of a Dual Stable Isotope Tracer Method

Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.1093/jn/nxaa004 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 150 (5) ◽

pp. 1178-1185 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sarita Devi ◽

Aneesia Varkey ◽

Madan Dharmar ◽

Roberta R Holt ◽

Lindsay H Allen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acid ◽

Stable Isotope ◽

Protein Quality ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Indian Children ◽

Pea Protein ◽

Isotope Tracer ◽

Isotope Method ◽

South Indian ◽

Test Protein

ABSTRACT Background Legumes are an excellent plant source of the limiting indispensable amino acid (IAA) lysine in vegetarian, cereal-based diets. However, their digestibility is poor largely because of their antiprotease content. Extrusion can enhance digestibility by inactivating trypsin inhibitors and thus potentially improve the protein quality of legumes. Objective We measured the digestibility of extruded chickpea and yellow pea protein with use of a dual stable isotope method in moderately stunted South Indian primary school children. Methods Twenty-eight moderately stunted children (height-for-age z scores <−2.0 SD and >−3.0 SD) aged 6–11 y from low to middle socioeconomic status were randomly assigned to receive a test protein (extruded intrinsically [2H]-labeled chickpea or yellow pea) along with a standard of U-[13C]-spirulina protein to measure amino acid (AA) digestibility with use of a dual stable isotope method. Individual AA digestibility in the test protein was calculated by the ratios of AA enrichments in the test protein to the standard protein in the food and their appearance in blood plasma collected at 6 and 6.5 h during the experiment, representing a plateau state. Results The mean AA digestibility of extruded chickpea and yellow pea protein in moderately stunted children (HAZ; −2.86 to −1.2) was high and similar in both extruded test proteins (89.0% and 88.0%, respectively, P = 0.83). However, lysine and proline digestibilities were higher in extruded chickpea than yellow pea (79.2% compared with 76.5% and 75.0% compared with 72.0%, respectively, P < 0.02). Conclusion Extruded chickpea and yellow pea protein had good IAA digestibility in moderately stunted children, which was 20% higher than an earlier report of their digestibility when pressure-cooked, measured by the same method in adults. Higher digestibility of lysine and proline highlights better retention of these AA in chickpea during extrusion-based processing. Extrusion might be useful for developing high-quality protein foods from legumes. This trial was registered at www.ctri.nic.in as CTRI/2018/03/012439.

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An Egg Feeding Intervention Increased Protein Quantity and Quality Among Young Malawian Children

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa054_027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 955-955

Author(s):

Bess Caswell ◽

Charles Arnold ◽

Chessa Lutter ◽

Kenneth Maleta ◽

Christine Stewart

Keyword(s):

Amino Acid ◽

Breast Milk ◽

Total Protein ◽

Protein Quality ◽

Complementary Feeding ◽

Group Differences ◽

Control Group ◽

Group V ◽

Complementary Diet

Abstract Objectives Adequate protein quantity and quality are necessary for child health, growth and development, but may be lacking in complementary feeding diets with limited variety and few animal source foods. We assessed the impact of an egg feeding intervention on protein quality and quantity among rural Malawian children aged 9 to 15 months. Methods We enrolled 660 children into a 6-month trial to test the effect of eggs on child growth. Children were randomly assigned to the egg group (n = 331), who received one egg per day, or the control group (n = 329). Dietary intake data were collected at 3-month midline (9–12 months old) and 6-month endline visits (12–15 months old) by 24-hour recall interview with the primary caregiver. Repeat recalls were collected in a subsample at each timepoint. Crude protein intakes were calculated using local recipe and food composition tables. Breast milk intake was estimated as the difference between the estimated energy requirement and energy intake from complementary diet. Protein intakes were adjusted using the Digestible Indispensible Amino Acid Score (DIAAS), which weighs crude amino acid intakes against amino acid requirements. Treatment group differences in DIAAS were tested with ANCOVA. Group differences in adjusted total protein intakes from complementary diet and breastfeeding were tested using the National Cancer Institute method for estimating usual mean intakes with bootstrap standard errors. Adequacy was assessed using World Health Organization protein requirements. Results The egg intervention improved protein quality of the complementary feeding diet (DIAAS of 79 egg v 61 control at midline, 86 v 72 at endline, P < .0001). Inclusion of breast milk in the DIAAS increased mean scores in both groups; total protein quality remained higher in the egg group. Total quality-adjusted protein intakes were 15.4 ± 0.3 g (mean ± standard error) in the egg group v 12.7 ± 0.3 g in the control group at midline and 17.1 ± 0.3 g egg group v 14.6 ± 0.3 g control at endline (P < .0001). Inadequacy of protein intake was lower in the egg group than the control group at midline (2% v 15%, P < 0.01) and very low in both groups at endline (<1% egg v 2% control, P > 0.05). Conclusions The egg intervention increased quantity and quality of protein intakes among young Malawian children, though protein inadequacy was uncommon. Funding Sources The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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The Complementarity of Amino Acids in Cooked Pulse/Cereal Blends and Effects on DIAAS

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10101999 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 1999

Author(s):

Fei Han ◽

Paul James Moughan ◽

Juntao Li ◽

Natascha Stroebinger ◽

Shaojie Pang

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Amino Acid ◽

Mung Bean ◽

Protein Quality ◽

Latin Square ◽

Growing Pigs ◽

Adzuki Bean ◽

Ileal Digestibility ◽

Indispensable Amino Acids ◽

The Mean

The aim was to study the complementary effect between cereals and pulses on protein quality. The values for the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) in cooked cereals and pulses, given alone, and blends of cooked cereals and pulses, were determined. True ileal digestibility (TID) values of amino acids for adult humans were obtained. It is difficult to determine ileal amino acid digestibility in humans directly, and for this reason, the growing pig is often used to obtain such values, as a preferred animal model. Seven growing pigs fitted with a T-cannula at the terminal ileum were allotted to a 7 × 6 incomplete Latin square with seven semi-synthetic diets (cooked mung bean, adzuki bean, millet, adlay, mung bean + millet, adzuki bean + adlay, and an N-free diet) and six 7-day periods. The mean TID values for crude protein differed significantly (p < 0.05), with millet having the highest digestibility (89.4%) and the adzuki bean/adlay mixture having the lowest (79.5%). For lysine, adzuki bean had the highest TID (90%) and millet had the lowest (70%). For the mean of all the amino acids, there was a significant (p < 0.05) effect of diet, with the TID ranging from 72.4% for the adzuki bean/adlay mixture to 89.9% for the adzuki beans. For the older child, adolescent, and adult, the DIAAS (%) was 93 for mung beans, 78 for adzuki beans, 22 for millet, 16 for adlay, and 66 for mung beans + millet, and 51 for adzuki beans + adlay. For mung beans, valine was first-limiting, and the SAA for adzuki beans, while lysine was first-limiting for the other foods. Chinese traditional diets, containing both cereals and pulses, are complementary for most, but not all of the indispensable amino acids.

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Comparison of Dual Isotope and Ileal Sampling Methods for the Determination of the Amino Acid Digestibility of Pea Protein and Casein in Adult Humans

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab048_008 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 873-873

Author(s):

Florence Guillin ◽

Claire Gaudichon ◽

Laetitia Guerin-Deremaux ◽

Catherine Lefranc-Millot ◽

Gheorghe Airinei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acid ◽

Sampling Method ◽

Protein Quality ◽

Plasma Samples ◽

Tracer Method ◽

Pea Protein ◽

Dual Isotope ◽

Reference Protein ◽

Dual Tracer

Abstract Objectives The measurement of amino acid (AA) digestibility of protein through direct ileal sampling is highly invasive and inappropriate for vulnerable populations, such as children or elderly. The new dual tracer method relies on comparing meal and plasma isotopic ratios of 1/a test protein 2/a reference protein (or AA mix) of known digestibility, each one being labelled with a different isotope. The aim of this study was to compare this new indirect dual tracer method to standard ileal method, for the determination of AA digestibility of pea protein and milk casein. Methods Fifteen healthy adult volunteers completed the study and were equipped with a naso-ileal tube. They were given 9 portions of mashed potatoes containing either pea protein or casein isolates that were intrinsically labelled with 15N and 2H. A 13C algal free AA mix was added in the meals as the reference for dual tracer method. Plasma samples were collected regularly from before the first ingestion to 8-h later, while ileal digesta were collected continuously. For ileal sampling method, the AA digestibility (RIDAA) was determined using the recovery a non-absorbable marker (PEG-4000) perfused in the ileum, and the measurement of 15N enrichment of the digesta. For the dual tracer method, the amount of AA absorbed (AbAA) was calculated by the ratio of 2H/13C enrichments in plasma and in meals. The isotopic enrichments were evaluated in digesta, plasma samples and meals by GC-C-IRMS. The AA content was measured in digesta and meals by U-HPLC. Results Mean AbAA and RIDAA of pea protein were 102.2 ± 3.1% and 94.3 ± 1.5%, respectively. Mean AbAA and RIDAA of casein were 91.9 ± 2.0% and 97.1 ± 0.8%, respectively. The dual tracer method overestimated by 10% and 5% the AA digestibility of pea protein and casein, respectively, and the variability was high. The mean ileal AA digestibility of the 13C free AA mix was high (98.1 ± 1.1%), which validated our choice to use it as the reference ‘protein’ in the dual tracer method. Conclusions Several AA digestibilities obtained with dual tracer method were in the same range as the digestibilities from ileal sampling method. The variability was high and the effect of the protein source was inconsistent. After further research and validation, the dual tracer method could lead to notable advances in the determination of protein quality in humans. Funding Sources Roquette.

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Disclosing the Nutritional Quality Diversity of Portuguese Common Beans—The Missing Link for Their Effective Use in Protein Quality Breeding Programs

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11020221 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 221

Author(s):

Elsa Mecha ◽

Sofia Natalello ◽

Bruna Carbas ◽

Andreia Bento da Silva ◽

Susana T. Leitão ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Amino Acid ◽

Nutritional Quality ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Protein Quality ◽

Trypsin Inhibitor Activity ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Individual Amino Acid ◽

Common Beans ◽

Breeding Programs

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) represents a sustainable and affordable source of protein, namely, to populations with vegetarian dietary habits. Despite the national germplasm genetic diversity, little is known about the Portuguese accessions’ nutritional and protein quality, leading to their underuse in breeding programs. To fill this gap, a representative collection (106 accessions) was cropped under two contrasting environments (traditional versus heat stress) and evaluated in terms of nutritional quality by near-infrared spectroscopy. Protein quality was assessed, under the stressful environment, considering the individual amino acid contents and the activity of trypsin inhibitors through mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and spectrophotometry, respectively. On top of strong genotypic control, the nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, moisture and ash) was also highly influenced by the environment and by genotype × environment interaction, with a clear nutritional quality ranking change for the accessions in heat stress conditions. Classified into three clusters, the accessions from the cluster with the highest individual amino acid and protein contents also showed higher trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA). Since different levels of TIA had no translation into contrasting protein digestibility, breeders focusing on common beans’ protein quality improvement, especially under challenging warming climate conditions, may take advantage of this group of accessions.

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