Protein myth blasted
Stop asking unnecessary questions, says the journal Nutrients
“Where do you get your protein?” It’s an unnecessary question to ask vegans, according to this new study. They say protein-rich pulses, nuts and seeds provide plenty of protein and that the claim that some plant foods are lacking certain amino acids is wrong.
All plant foods contain the full range of 20 amino acids, including the nine essential ones. Importantly, rather than claiming there are missing amino acids, an accurate statement would be that the amino acid profile may be more varied in some plant foods than others, but this is not a problem if you eat a varied diet that provides enough energy.
The concern of any amino acid deficiency has been substantially overstated, they maintain, and that the term ‘complete protein’ is misleading. They recommend that further study on protein in vegetarian and vegan diets shifts away from unnecessary questions about protein adequacy.
Mariotti F and Gardner CD. 2019. Dietary Protein and Amino Acids in Vegetarian Diets-A Review. Nutrients. 11 (11).
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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