Protein quality of homemade weaning food mixtures: 2. Amino acid composition versus biological methods

Protein quality of fourteen different homemade weaning food mixtures, already evaluated by biological procedures, was also estimated on the basis of amino acid composition. Amino acids were determined by ion‐exchange chromatography with the exception of tryptophan, which was estimated from published values for the component ingredients. Amino acid scores were calculated using the FAO/WHO (1973) pattern as well as the new FAO/WHO/UNU (1986) reference patterns for the infant and young child and were compared with the protein values determined biologically. Agreement was high. In addition, comparison was made between estimated intakes and the newly published requirement values for essential amino acids. It was concluded that all mixtures would meet protein and amino acid needs if they were supplied at sufficient levels to meet food energy needs.

Key words:

• weaning food mixtures
• protein quality
• amino acid composition
• amino acid score
• amino acid requirements