Which type of proteins are considered higher quality due to their digestibility and completeness?

Animal proteins are considered higher quality primarily due to their digestibility and completeness. This means that they contain all the essential amino acids required for human health in the right proportions. Animal proteins, found in foods like meat, dairy, and eggs, provide a comprehensive amino acid profile that aligns closely with human dietary requirements. This biological completeness is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing hormones, and maintaining muscle mass.

In contrast, many plant proteins may lack one or more of the essential amino acids or have lower total digestibility. While some plant sources can provide high-quality protein combinations (like beans and rice), they often require careful planning to ensure all essential amino acids are consumed in sufficient amounts. Synthetic and supplemental proteins may also vary in quality, but they are typically designed to mimic the profiles of high-quality proteins found in animal products. Thus, animal proteins stand out for their overall quality in terms of digestibility and the completeness of essential nutrients.