The study assessed the amino acid composition of ten different plant-based protein sources, including oat, lupin, wheat, hemp, microalgae, soy, brown rice, pea, corn, and potato. The results showed that plant-based proteins can vary significantly in their protein content and amino acid composition.
Protein Content and Comparison to Animal-based Proteins
Soy protein isolate contains 27% protein, brown rice protein isolate contains 28%, pea protein isolate contains 30%, corn protein isolate contains 32%, and potato protein isolate contains 37%. These percentages are lower than those found in animal-based protein isolates, such as whey protein (39%) and egg protein (34%).
Essential Amino Acids
The study also emphasized the importance of essential amino acids, which the human body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet. While some plant-based proteins, such as soy and pea, are complete protein sources containing all nine essential amino acids, many other plant-based protein sources are incomplete and lack one or more essential amino acids.