What is the Complete Protein?

Confused about what proteins are complete? Learn what they are and how to balance your intake of protein.
The complete protein sources are those containing all essential amino acids in proportions sufficient to support normal biological functions.
The eight essential amino acids are:
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Tryptophan
- Threonine
- Valine
These amino acids are called essential because the body can not manufacture and therefore must be supplied in the diet. Recently added histidine since it was found that adults can not synthesize it.
Incomplete proteins are those that lack one or more of these eight essential amino acids. Most of the proteins that come from plants are incomplete proteins, whereas those based on animals are considered major sources of complete protein.
Common examples are complete protein foods of animal origin such as:
- Fish
- Seafood / Shellfish
- Poultry
- Milk
- Egg
- Cheese
- Meat
When you consume these foods are getting all the essential amino acids in a single source, so there is usually no need for any supplementation.
In terms of complete protein from animal sources, are really few that come the eight essential amino acids in proportions sufficient to qualify as complete proteins, which are:
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Soy
Those who consume variety of meals based on plants and animals also typically do not have to worry about whether they are eating complete proteins, the variety in your diet is basically responsible for this naturally.