Protein intake that exceeds the recommended daily allowance is widely accepted for both endurance and power athletes. Cramer: Certain plants can be excellent sources of protein, often with fewer calories and fewer potentially harmful effects than animal products. Some writers claim that protein is protein, be it animal or plant, except for the way that animals are treated. Plant proteins are lower in a group of amino acids known as “branched chain amino acids” (BCAA).

However, considering the variety of proteins that are available much less is known concerning the benefits of consuming one protein versus another. Protein and Amino Acid Bioavailability From Animal and Plant Foods It is important to be aware of how the protein bioavailability of foods may affect total protein intake. Foods that contain animal protein tend to be high in several nutrients that are often lacking in plant foods. Also, plant proteins are generally harder to digest and are absorbed more slowly. However, few studies have actually assessed the postprandial muscle protein synthetic response to the ingestion of plant proteins, with soy and wheat protein being the primary sources studied. “The rate of body protein synthesis appears to be lower when plant-based proteins are consumed versus animal-based proteins,” Linsenmeyer says, …

When choosing between plant and animal sources of protein, it is important to factor in the other nutrients that the foods provide. Some plant proteins, such as quinoa, are complete proteins—which means they contain all 9 essential amino acids that we need. These differences affect our metabolism. For instance, choosing only low-quality protein sources could potentially result in a protein deficiency . We have information that the primary difference between animal and plant proteins is their amino acid profiles and it is those profiles that direct the rates at which the absorbed amino acids are put to use within the body. Found in: beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, quinoa, leafy greens such as broccoli and kale, whole grains. How do you respond to this? Foods rich in protein can have widely ranging nutritional profiles.