Final answer:
The term for a food item lacking one or more essential amino acids is an incomplete protein. Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids, whereas incomplete proteins do not. Complementary proteins can combine to provide all necessary amino acids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes a food item that is lacking one or more of the essential amino acids is c) Incomplete protein. Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot synthesize on its own and therefore, they must be obtained through diet. Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids and are typically found in animal products such as meat, fish, and dairy. Examples of incomplete proteins include grains, nuts, and beans, which may lack adequate amounts of one or more essential amino acids. However, by combining different plant foods with incomplete proteins, known as complementary proteins, one can obtain all essential amino acids necessary for health.