Question

What is a limiting amino acid? Explain why this concept is a concern in a vegetarian diet. How can a vegetarian compensate for limiting amino acids in specific foods? Provide a specific example.

Answer 1

ANSWER: The limiting aminoacid is the essential amino acid found in smallest quantity in food stuffs mostly in plant based foods. This concept is important when calculating animal feeds. This limiting aminoacid concept is a concern over vegetarian diet because lysine is the limiting amino acid in this diet. LYSINE in plant based food is very less and is the amino acid of shortest supply. Health professionals must encourage the vegans to include a wide variety of protein rich food each day to ensure the adequate intake of proteins so that by combining proteins the deficit of aminoacids can be overcome. Examples for protein rich vegetables are legumes like soyabeans, lentils, baked beans, whole grains like brown rice, buckwheat, nuts and seeds and dairy products.