PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score) is a method used to evaluate protein quality based on two factors:
a protein’s essential amino acid profile relative to human requirements, and
how well the protein is digested and absorbed.
PDCAAS was adopted by the FAO/WHO as a standard method for evaluating protein quality in human nutrition and is still widely referenced today.
How PDCAAS Works
Protein quality reflects both the presence of essential amino acids and their bioavailability. PDCAAS evaluates this by identifying the limiting (lowest) essential amino acid in a protein and adjusting for digestibility.
PDCAAS scores are capped at 1.0, which represents a protein that meets or exceeds 100% of essential amino acid requirements after digestibility is considered. Proteins that calculate above 1.0 are reported as 1.0, as values above this level indicate essential amino acids are present in excess of human requirements.
fitppl Protein and PDCAAS
Based on our amino acid profile and conservative digestibility assumptions, fitppl’s protein blend calculates above a PDCAAS of 1.0 and is therefore capped at the maximum score of 1.0.
This means fitppl’s protein provides all essential amino acids in amounts sufficient to support human dietary needs when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
About PDCAAS Limitations
PDCAAS is one of several methods used to assess protein quality. While newer methods such as DIAAS have been proposed, PDCAAS remains a commonly referenced standard in nutrition science and food labeling.