Protein Amount, Quality, and Physical Activity.

Diet composition determines the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, malignant tumors, and type 2 diabetes mellitus [...].

Dietary Protein Requirement Threshold and Micronutrients Profile in Healthy Older Women Based on Relative Skeletal Muscle Mass.

Although multiple nutrients have shown protective effects with regard to preserving muscle function, the recommended amount of dietary protein and other nutrients profile on older adults for maintenance of high muscle mass is still debatable. The aims of this paper were to: (1) identify dietary differences between older women with low and high relative skeletal muscle mass, and (2) identify the minimal dietary protein intake associated with high relative skeletal muscle mass and test the threshold ability to determine an association with skeletal muscle phenotypes. Older women (n = 281; 70 ± 7 years, 65 ± 14 kg), with both low and high relative skeletal muscle mass groups, completed a food questionnaire. Skeletal muscle mass, fat-free mass (FFM), biceps brachii thickness, vastus lateralis anatomical cross-sectional area (VLACSA), handgrip strength (HGS), maximum elbow flexion torque (MVCEF), maximum knee extension torque (MVCKE), muscle quality (HGS/Body mass), and fat mass were measured. Older women with low relative skeletal muscle mass had a lower daily intake of protein, iodine, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), Vit E, manganese, milk, fish, nuts and seeds (p < 0.05) compared to women with high relative skeletal muscle mass. The minimum required dietary protein intake for high relative skeletal muscle mass was 1.17 g/kg body mass/day (g/kg/d) (sensitivity: 0.68; specificity: 0.62). Women consuming ≥1.17 g/kg/d had a lower BMI (B = -3.9, p < 0.001) and fat mass (B = -7.8, p < 0.001), and a higher muscle quality (B = 0.06, p < 0.001). The data indicate that to maintain muscle mass and function, older women should consume ≥1.17 g/kg/d dietary protein, through a varied diet including milk, fish and nuts that also contain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and micronutrients such as iodine, Vit E and manganese.

Adjusting for protein quality by food source may affect nutrient density metrics.

Methods to assess nutrient density of foods, commonly known as nutrient profiling (NP), typically include protein as a component. In this study, the goal was to apply a correction for protein quality by food source to selected NP algorithms. Analyses of 378 component foods of the Fred Hutch food frequency questionnaire showed that animal-source foods (ie, meat, eggs, and dairy) along with some soy products and nuts were the only foods that provided > 20% of the daily value (DV) of protein per 100 g or per 100 kcal. Most beans, pulses, legumes, grains, and vegetables provided <10% DV of protein per 100 g or per 100 kcal. Adjusting for protein quality using a simplified Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) had consequences for point-based NP models (namely, Nutri-Score) and for continuous nutrient density scores (namely, Nutrient Rich Foods). Quantitative methods that use protein content to capture nutrient density may require a protein-quality adjustment, especially when adapted for use in low- and middle-income countries where protein quality is an issue of public health concern.

Ruminal degradation and estimated energy and protein values for ruminants of Durum wheat varieties grown in three locations.

Durum wheat is mainly used in pasta production, but may also be used as animal feed, for example as concentrate for dairy cows. Data on the ruminal degradation of Durum grains are scarce. Hence, the objective of the present study was to describe ruminal in situ crude protein (CP) and starch (ST) degradation, to investigate in vitro gas production kinetics, and to estimate utilisable CP at the duodenum (uCP) in vitro of five Durum varieties from three growing locations. Metabolisable energy (ME) and digestibility of organic matter (dOM) were also estimated using in vitro data. In situ incubations were conducted in three lactating jersey cows over defined timespans from 1 to 72 hr. Ruminal degradation parameters were estimated using exponential regression, and effective ruminal degradation was predicted for a ruminal passage rate of 8%/hr (ED8 ). In situ CP (a = 11%-19%; b = 80%-88%; c = 23%-33%/hr) and ST (a = 22%-39%; b = 60%-78%; c = 61%-123%/hr) degradation kinetics varied among samples and were influenced by location. Some samples showed a remarkably high ST degradation rate of up to 123%/h, which can significantly influence rumen pH and health when high amounts are incorporated into dairy rations. However, the ED of CP (77%-82%) and ST (91%-95%), and the in vitro estimates of ME (13.6-14.1 MJ/kg DM), dOM (92%-96%), and uCP (183-195 k/g DM) varied within a relatively small range. Hence, it may be adequate to use the mean values of these Durum grain characteristics when rations for ruminants are calculated and a differentiation depending on variety and location may not be necessary.

The functional attributes of Peruvian (Kankolla and Blanca juli blend) and Northern quinoa (NQ94PT) flours and protein isolates, and their protein quality.

The overall goal of this research was to examine differences in the composition, functionality and protein quality between Peruvian (PQ) and Northern (NQ) quinoa flours, and their isolates prepared by alkaline extraction/isoelectric precipitation. In the case of the flours, PQ and NQ were comprised of 13.6% and 12.8% protein, respectively. Water hydration (mean value = 1.65 g/g) and oil holding capacities (mean value = 1.75 g/g) of both flours were similar, whereas solubility increased from pH 3 to 7 for both flours, but was higher for PQ. Flours were non-foaming at pH 3, but showed increased foam capacity as the pH increased from 5 to 7, but was higher for PQ. Similar foam stability was found for both flours. Emulsion stability (ES) was similar for both flours, and increased from pH 3 to pH 5/7. In the case of the isolates, water hydration capacity was greater for PQ (4.75 g/g) than NQ (2.85 g/g), whereas oil holding capacity was similar (mean value = 8.6 g/g). For both isolates, solubility was minimum at pH 5.0 and maximum at pH 3/7, with NQ being higher. Isolates showed 2-3 times the foam capacity as flours, the magnitude of which was cultivar and pH dependent. Foam stability was lower at pH 5 than at pH 3/7, whereas ES followed a similar pH effect. Tyrosine and phenylalanine were limiting in both flours, whereas threonine was limiting in both isolates. In vitro protein digestibility corrected amino acid scores for the flours was higher for PQ (56.8%) than NQ (47.7%); however, the reverse was observed for the isolates (NQ, 62.1%; PQ, 58.9%).

Generic and rapid determination of low molecular weight organic chemical contaminants in protein powder by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A rapid, simple, and generic analytical method that could simultaneously determine 291 undesirable low molecular weight chemical contaminants from different drug families in protein powder, such as veterinary drugs and pesticides, etc, had been developed. This method comprised the extraction with acetonitrile-dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), clean-up through dispersive solid phase extraction (D-SPE) and low temperature filtration, and analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry at multiple-reaction monitoring mode. Acetonitrile-DMSO was more generic than acetonitrile or methanol for the extraction of large-scale organic chemical contaminants with different polarities in protein powder. Most interferences in the extract were eliminated by the combination of D-SPE and low temperature filtration, which simultaneously provided satisfactory recoveries of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic analytes. In particular, besides the purification function, the sorbent of D-SPE also played an important role in grinding samples to improve extraction efficiency during homogenization. This streamlined approach allowed the processes of extraction and the main purification were carried out in one-step, and dramatically reduced sample preparation turnaround times and solvent consumption. For quantification, matrix-fortified calibration curves showed competent linearity for most of the target compounds with linear regression coefficients (r) higher than 0.9900, except for two analytes. The limits of quantification ranged from 0.1 µg/kg to 50 µg/kg, which was usually sufficient to verify the compliance of products with legal tolerances. The average recoveries for spiked protein powder ranged from 65.6% to 142.2% with associated RSD values between 0.5% and 28.5%. For over 90% of the analytes, the recoveries were between 70% and 120% with RSD values in the range of 1%-15%. Applying this method in routine monitoring programs would drastically reduce both effort and time.

Achieving Protein Targets in the ICU Using a Specialized High-Protein Enteral Formula: A Quality Improvement Project.

BACKGROUND: To meet protein needs in critical illness (CI), guidelines suggest ≥1.2-2.5 g protein/kg/d; however, most intensive care unit (ICU) patients receive ≤0.7 g/kg/d. Higher protein enteral nutrition (EN) formulas may be part of the solution to provide prescribed protein. Our objective was to demonstrate that an EN formula with 37% protein can deliver ≥80% of prescribed protein, without overfeeding calories within the first 5 days of feeding and to describe ICU clinicians' experience. METHODS: This quality improvement (QI) project included patients requiring exclusive EN for up to 5 days from 6 Canadian ICUs. Rationale for choosing formula, patient's BMI (kg/m2 ), nutrition targets, daily protein and energy delivered, feeding interruptions, and general tolerance were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-four of 49 patients received the formula ≥2 days. Average protein prescribed was 137.5 g/d (82.5-200) or 1.9 g/kg/d (1.5-2.5). Average protein delivered was 116.9 g/d (33.5-180) or 1.6 g/kg/d (0.4-2.4). Seventy-five percent to 83% of patients received ≥80% prescribed protein on days 2-5. Average energy prescribed was 1638.6 kcal/d (990-2500) or 17.8 kcal/kg (11-26). Average energy delivered was 1523.9 kcal/d (693.0-2557.5) or 17.3 kcal/kg/d (1.35-64.7). The formula was well tolerated with no gastrointestinal symptoms reported in 38 (86%) patients. The most common reasons to prescribe the formula were obesity and use of fat-based medications. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated in a QI study that a high-protein EN formula was tolerated in a small, heterogeneous group of ICU patients and effective in meeting protein targets without overfeeding.

Written Nutrition Guidelines, Client Choice Distribution, and Adequate Refrigerator Storage Are Positively Associated with Increased Offerings of Feeding America's Detailed Foods to Encourage (F2E) in a Large Sample of Arkansas Food Pantries.

BACKGROUND: Millions of food-insecure households in the United States obtain food from food pantries each year. These foods are often of insufficient nutritional quality. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe the frequency with which Arkansas food pantries offer foods included in Feeding America's Detailed Foods to Encourage (F2E) framework, and examine food pantry characteristics associated with increased frequency of offering F2E and other foods. DESIGN: This was a 27-item cross-sectional online survey that assessed food pantries' characteristics (eg, storage capacities, number of clients served) and typical food offerings. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Partnering with five of Arkansas's six food banks, 764 e-mail invitations were sent to food agency managers across the state. A final sample of 357 food pantries was included in the analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes of interest were the frequencies of offering specific F2E and F2E in general. The F2E framework was developed by Feeding America to more accurately assess food banks' inventories, and its categories (Fruits and Vegetables; Protein; Dairy; and Grains) are generally consistent with MyPlate. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Descriptive statistics were computed for all food pantry characteristics and frequency of foods offered. Associations between food pantry characteristics and the frequency of offering F2E were examined via multiple linear regression and path analysis. RESULTS: Only 18.5% of food pantries had written nutrition guidelines, and only 19.3% offered client choice distribution. The F2E most commonly offered were meat/poultry/seafood without breading and not fried (59.6%) and peanut butter (58.2%). The least commonly offered F2E were nuts/seeds with nothing added (3.8%) and low-fat/1%/skim cheese (8.2%). Written nutrition guidelines (P<0.001), client choice distribution (P=0.003), and adequate refrigerator storage (P=0.010) were associated with more frequently offering F2E. CONCLUSIONS: This study fills a gap in knowledge by documenting food pantry characteristics that are associated with the frequencies of offering specific types of healthy foods.

Protein Quality Assessment of Follow-up Formula for Young Children and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods: Recommendations by the FAO Expert Working Group in 2017.

The FAO of the UN convened an Expert Working Group meeting to provide recommendations related to protein quality evaluation of Follow-up Formula for Young Children (FUF-YC) and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs). The protein and amino acid (AA) scoring patterns for the target age groups were defined and recommendations provided on the use of currently available protein and indispensable AA digestibility data. For FUF-YC, an age category of 1-2.9 y was identified, and a matching protein requirement of 0.86 g · kg-1 · d-1 with corresponding AA requirements were recommended. For RUTF, the protein requirement recommended was 2.82 g · kg-1 · d-1, to achieve a catch-up weight gain of 10 g · kg-1 · d-1 in children recovering from severe acute malnutrition. The AA requirements were factorially derived based on the adult protein requirement for maintenance and tissue AA composition. A flowchart was proposed for the best available methods to estimate digestibility coefficients (of either protein or AAs), in the following order: human, growing pig, and rat true ileal AA digestibility values. Where this is not possible, fecal protein digestibility values should be used. The Expert Working Group recommends the use of the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), with existing protein digestibility values, or the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score provided that individual AA digestibility values are available for protein quality evaluation using the latter score. The Group also recommends the use of ileal digestibility of protein or of AAs for plant-based protein sources, recognizing the possible effects of antinutritional factors and impaired gut function. A PDCAAS score of ≥90% can be considered adequate for these formulations, whereas with a score <90%, the quantity of protein should be increased to meet the requirements. Regardless of the protein quality score, the ability of formulations to support growth in the target population should be evaluated. Future research recommendations are also proposed based on the knowledge gaps identified.

Plant- and animal-protein diets in relation to sociodemographic drivers, quality, and cost: findings from the Seattle Obesity Study.

BACKGROUND: Promoting plant-based proteins is at the forefront of many initiatives in public health nutrition. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the sociodemographic drivers of plant-based protein diet consumption, and to study these in relation to diet quality and cost. METHODS: The Seattle Obesity Study series (SOS I and II) yielded the study sample (n = 1636). Sociodemographic data were obtained by survey self-report. Diet quality and cost came from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Food-Frequency Questionnaire linked to retail food prices. The Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) served as measures of diet quality. Linear regressions with robust standard errors examined associations. RESULTS: Total proteins contributed 16.8% of daily dietary energy. The breakdown by animal and plant proteins was 10.9% and 5.9%, respectively. The sociodemographic factors associated with plant-protein consumption were a positive attitude towards healthy eating and higher education but not income. Plant-protein diets were characterized by severalfold increases in nuts and seeds, soy and legumes, but much less meat, poultry, dairy, solid fats, and added sugars. Higher quartiles of plant-based diets were associated with significantly higher HEI-2010 (ß: 13.0 from quartile 1 to quartile 4; 95% CI: 11.8, 14.3) and higher MAR (ß: 6.0; 95% CI: 3.5, 8.5) with minimal impact on diet costs (ß: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.67). In contrast, higher quartiles of animal-protein diets were associated with higher diet costs (ß: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.36) but lower HEI-2010 (ß: -3.2; 95% CI: -4.5, -1.9). Each additional 3% of energy from plant proteins was associated with an 8.4-unit increase in HEI-2010 (95% CI: 7.6, 9.1) and with a 4.1-unit increase in MAR (95% CI: 2.7, 5.5) with a minimal increase in diet cost (ß: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.50). CONCLUSION: Plant-based protein diets may be a cost-effective way to improve diet quality at all levels of income. Future research needs to evaluate the quality of plant-based protein in relation to amino acids and health.

Assembled protein nanoparticles in food or nutrition applications.

Proteins are one of the essential components of nutritional food materials and an excellent source for food-grade nanomaterials. This review focuses on select examples of nanoparticles assembled naturally, found in food-relevant materials, major approaches in assembling nanoscale structure from proteins, and general applications of protein nanoparticles in food or nutrition. Animal-sourced casein and non-animal grain storage proteins and legume storage proteins are discussed in terms of their structural assemblies. Protein solubility is a key factor in assembling protein nanoparticles with desired functional properties. Desolvation is the most common technique to prepare protein nanoparticles for insoluble proteins. Well-hydrated protein assemblies have been extensively studied through electrostatic complexes, assembled with fatty acid and starch, reassembled protein structure, and nanogels. These protein-based nanoparticles have been utilized for filler materials of films, encapsulation of bioactive molecules, and stabilization of emulsions. Most studies exploiting protein-based nanoparticles have focused on developing technologies in extraction of proteins from sources and assembly of nanoparticles in different environmental conditions.

Perspective: The Public Health Case for Modernizing the Definition of Protein Quality.

Prevailing definitions of protein quality are predicated on considerations of biochemistry and metabolism rather than the net effects on human health or the environment of specific food sources of protein. In the vernacular, higher "quality" equates to desirability. This implication is compounded by sequential, societal trends in which first dietary fat and then dietary carbohydrate were vilified during recent decades, leaving dietary protein under an implied halo. The popular concept that protein is "good" and that the more the better, coupled with a protein quality definition that favors meat, fosters the impression that eating more meat, as well as eggs and dairy, is desirable and preferable. This message, however, is directly opposed to current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which encourage consumption of more plant foods and less meat, and at odds with the literature on the environmental impacts of foods, from carbon emissions to water utilization, which decisively favor plant protein sources. Thus, the message conveyed by the current definitions of protein quality is at odds with imperatives of public and planetary health alike. We review the relevant literature in this context and make the case that the definition of protein quality is both misleading and antiquated. We propose a modernized definition that incorporates the quality of health and environmental outcomes associated with specific food sources of protein. We demonstrate how such an approach can be adapted into a metric and applied to the food supply.

Protein-quality evaluation of complementary foods in Indian children.

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.

Consumption of Animal-Source Protein is Associated with Improved Height-for-Age z Scores in Rural Malawian Children Aged 12⁻36 Months.

Linear growth faltering, caused by insufficient diet, recurrent infections and environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), continues to plague young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Diets in LMICs are primarily plant based, and thus have poor-quality protein and low levels of essential micronutrients. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the type and protein quality of food consumed with stunting, EED and acute malnutrition in children aged 6⁻36 months in Limera and Masenjere, two rural Southern Malawian communities. This is a secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials that tested the effects of common bean and cowpea flour on stunting in children aged 6⁻36 months. We used data from two interactive 24-h dietary recalls conducted 12 weeks after enrolment into each trial. Food intakes were compared between the regions using Chi-square and Student's t-test. There were 355 children that participated in the dietary recalls. The diets of children were of poor quality, but the children from Limera consumed more fish (54% vs. 35%, p = 0.009) and more bioavailable protein (26.0 ± 10.3 g/day vs. 23.1 ± 8.1 g/day, p = 0.018, respectively) than children in Masenjere. Food type and protein quality were not associated with any of the outcomes except an association between animal protein consumption and improvement in height-for-age z scores in children aged 12⁻36 months (p = 0.047). These findings support the notion that animal-source food (ASF) consumption in this vulnerable population promotes linear growth.

Alpine junior world ski championship: nutritional habits and performance in elite skiers.

BACKGROUND: Young athletes need to consume an appropriate diet in order to maintain health and optimize growth and athletic performance. We evaluated nutritional habits of junior elite skiers. METHODS: Alpine junior elite skiers (N.=68; 42 males and 26 females; age range 16-20 years) coming from 20 countries were recruited during the Alpine Junior World Ski Championship, Roccaraso, Italy. Nutritional habits were assessed using a 3-day food record and the NHANES Food Frequency Questionnaire. Data were compared with nutritional recommendations and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for athletes. RESULTS: During the training period, the energy intake in both males and females was significantly lower with respect to estimated energy needs. Carbohydrate intake expressed in terms of grams per kilogram of body weight did not meet the RDAs in both groups (4.19 and 5.15 g/kg in males and females, respectively). Protein and fat consumption exceeded the RDAs with a protein intake of 2.34 g/kg in males and 2.10 g/kg in females, and a fat intake >35% of total daily calories. During competition days, both males and females increased carbohydrate intake to 6.23 and 8.11 g/kg respectively, reaching the RDAs. Protein intake increased to 2.56 and 3.14 g/kg in males and females, respectively, and fat intake slightly decreased, still exceeding the RDAs. CONCLUSIONS: Junior elite skiers reported a low intake of carbohydrates and a high intake of protein and fat. Nutritional counselling should be given to athletes to maintain their health and improve their physical performance.

Biofortified Maize Can Improve Quality Protein Intakes among Young Children in Southern Ethiopia.

Quality protein maize (QPM) varieties are biofortified, or nutritionally improved, to have higher lysine and tryptophan levels to increase quality protein intakes particularly among young children. This study assesses adequacy of children's protein intakes in Ethiopia, where QPM is being promoted, accounting for protein quality and seasonal dietary changes, and estimates potential increases in intakes if QPM replaced conventional maize in diets. Diets of randomly sampled children aged 12⁻36 months in rural southern Ethiopia (n = 218) were assessed after harvest during relative food security and 3⁻4 months later during relative food insecurity using 24-h weighed food records. Diets were analyzed for protein adequacy, accounting for protein quality using the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) method, and potential improvements from QPM substitution were estimated. Stunting was prevalent (38%) at the first assessment. Across seasons, 95⁻96% of children consumed maize, which provided 59⁻61% of energy and 51⁻55% of total protein in 24 h. Dietary intakes decreased in the food insecure season, though children were older. Among children no longer breastfeeding, QPM was estimated to reduce inadequacy of utilizable protein intakes from 17% to 13% in the food secure season and from 34% to 19% in the food insecure season. However, breastfed children had only 4⁻6% inadequate intakes of utilizable protein, limiting QPM's potential impact. Due to small farm sizes, maize stores from home production lasted a median of three months. Young Ethiopian children are at risk of inadequate quality protein intakes, particularly after breastfeeding has ceased and during food insecurity. QPM could reduce this risk; however, reliance on access through home production may result in only short-term benefits given the limited quantities of maize produced and stored.

Importance of maternal diet in the training of the infant's immune system during gestation and lactation.

Latest forecasts predict that half of the European population will be allergic within the coming 15 years, with food allergies contributing substantially to the total burden; preventive measures are urgently needed. Unfortunately, all attempted alimentary strategies for primary prevention of allergic diseases through allergen avoidance so far have failed. This also holds true for the prevention of food allergies in breastfed infants by the common practice of excluding certain foods with allergenic potential from the maternal diet. As a preventive measure, therefore, exclusion diets should be discouraged. They can exhaust nursing mothers and negatively impact both their nutritional status as well as their motivation to breastfeed. A prolonged exclusion diet may be indicated solely in cases of doctor-diagnosed food allergy following rigid medical tests (e.g. double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges). Indicated cases usually involve exclusion of only a few food items. Continued breastfeeding is generally important for many aspects of the infant's health, including the training of the infant's immune responses to foreign compounds and avoidance of overshooting inflammatory responses. Recent studies suggest that the presence of maternal dietary proteins in amniotic fluid, cord blood, and human milk might support the induction of tolerance towards solid foods in infants. These are exactly the same species of proteins or remnants thereof that, in comparatively few cases, trigger allergic responses. However, the insight that the proteins of maternal dietary origin in human milk are more likely to be cure (or, more precise, directing prevention) than curse has still largely evaded the attention of health care professionals consulted by worried breastfeeding mothers. In this paper, we summarize recent literature on the importance of exposure to dietary proteins in the establishment of immunological tolerance and hence prevention of allergic disease. Multiple organizations have used the scientific knowledge to build (local) guidelines (e.g. AAAAI, EAACI, BSACI) that can support health care professionals to provide the best strategy to prevent the onset of allergic diseases. We thus hope to clarify existing confusion about the allergenic propensities of dietary proteins during early life, which has contributed to exaggerated fears around the diet of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Research and regulatory gaps for the substantiation of protein content claims on foods.

Protein claims provide guidance to consumers seeking protein-rich foods. Protein claim regulations differ globally, and both Canada and the United States require protein quality assessments. A tripartite workshop identified the need to (i) harmonize, (ii) update existing amino acid composition and digestibility databases, (iii) develop non-animal bioassays, and (iv) evaluate the impact of protein claims on human health. The Protein-Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score method is recommended for current regulatory use in Canada.

The amino acid composition and protein quality of various egg, poultry meal by-products, and vegetable proteins used in the production of dog and cat diets.

New protein ingredients are used to support pet food market growth and the development of new products while maintaining animal dietary needs. However, novel protein sources (e.g., spray-dried chicken, and (or) rice, pea, and potato protein concentrates) have limited data available regarding their protein quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate protein ingredients used in the pet food industry by laboratory analysis and a chick growth assay as a model. Following analysis for proximate and amino acid composition, chicks (six birds per pen with four pens per treatment) were fed experimental diets for 10 d. Diets contained 10% crude protein from each of the experimental protein sources (spray-dried egg-SDEG; spray-dried egg white-SDEW, spray-dried inedible whole egg-SDIE, chicken by-product meal-CBPM, chicken meal-CKML, low-temperature fluid bed air-dried chicken-LTCK, low-temperature and pressure fluid bed dried chicken-LTPC, spray-dried chicken-SDCK, whey protein concentrate-WPCT, corn gluten meal-CGML, corn protein concentrate-CPCT, potato protein isolate-PPIS, rice protein concentrate-RPCT, pea protein isolate-PEPI, soy protein isolate-SPIS, and soybean meal-SBML) along with an N-free diet (negative control). Chicks fed SDEG, SDIE, and LTPC had the highest protein efficiency ratio (PER; P < 0.0001; 5.18, 5.37, and 5.33, respectively), LTCK and SDCK were intermediate (4.54 and 4.79), and the CBPM and CKML were the lowest among the poultry proteins for EAA:NEAA, PER, and Lys availability. Among the vegetable proteins, PPIS and SBML had the highest PER values (3.60 and 3.48, P < 0.0001). In general, the chick PER method ranked the quality of animal protein sources higher than vegetable proteins, and these results were consistent with the EAA:NEAA ratio and Lys availability.