The DIAAS Score, or Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score, is a metric used to assess the protein quality of foods based on the digestibility of indispensable (essential) amino acids. It provides a more precise measure of protein bioavailability than older methods.
Context
The DIAAS Score operates within the field of human nutrition and protein metabolism, specifically evaluating how well the body can absorb and utilize the essential amino acids from a given protein source. It is considered a more accurate representation of protein utilization in the small intestine.
Significance
In clinical nutrition and public health, the DIAAS Score is important for determining the nutritional adequacy of protein sources, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised digestive function, ensuring optimal protein synthesis and tissue maintenance.
Mechanism
The calculation involves measuring the fecal digestibility of each indispensable amino acid in a food protein and comparing it to a reference amino acid requirement pattern. Scores above 100 indicate excellent protein quality, while scores below 70 suggest poor quality.
Application
The DIAAS Score is applied in food labeling, dietary recommendations, and the development of protein-fortified foods. It helps consumers and healthcare professionals make informed choices about protein sources to meet physiological needs effectively.
Metric
The DIAAS Score itself is the primary metric, calculated from laboratory analyses of amino acid content and true ileal digestibility of protein sources.
Risk
Relying on protein sources with low DIAAS scores can lead to indispensable amino acid deficiencies, impairing protein synthesis, muscle mass maintenance, and overall physiological function, especially when dietary protein intake is suboptimal.
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