Question

Which of the following is a true statement about plant sources of protein?

1) Most plant proteins are low in one or more of the essential amino acids.
2) Most plant proteins are devoid of one or more of the essential amino acids.
3) Plant proteins do not supply essential amino acids.
4) Consuming plant proteins increases excretion of essential amino acids.

Answer 1

The correct statement about plant proteins is that most are low in one or more essential amino acids, but combining different plant proteins can result in a complete amino acid profile.

Step-by-step explanation:

The true statement about plant sources of protein from the given options is: Most plant proteins are low in one or more of the essential amino acids. This is because plant proteins often do not contain adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids, making many of them incomplete proteins. However, by combining different plant proteins that complement each other's limiting amino acids, a complete amino acid profile can be achieved. This practice is known as consuming complementary proteins. For example, legumes and grains can be paired to create a complete protein source, similar to putting together puzzle pieces to complete the puzzle. Therefore, it is important for vegans and vegetarians to integrate a variety of plant foods into their diets to ensure they obtain a balanced amino acid intake.