A standardized scoring system (0-1.0) that rates protein quality based on digestibility and essential amino acid content.
PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score) is an internationally recognized method that evaluates protein quality by combining digestibility with amino acid composition. It was established by the WHO/FAO in 1989.
PDCAAS combines two critical factors: protein digestibility and amino acid profile, providing a more comprehensive assessment than digestibility alone. The score is calculated by adjusting the amino acid score of a protein according to its digestibility percentage. A PDCAAS of 1.0 represents a perfect score, indicating the protein is completely digestible and contains the ideal ratio of all essential amino acids for human requirements. This metric revolutionized protein evaluation in nutrition science and is used globally for food labeling and nutritional standards. Scores above 1.0 are capped at 1.0, even if the digestibility-adjusted amino acid score exceeds this ceiling.
Provides a standardized measure to compare protein quality across different food sources and guide dietary recommendations.
Use PDCAAS as a guide when selecting protein sources, prioritizing scores above 0.9 for optimal nutritional value. For plant-based diets with lower PDCAAS scores, combine complementary proteins to achieve complete amino acid profiles. Check product labels for PDCAAS information when comparing protein supplements.
PDCAAS is the gold standard for evaluating true protein quality—combining digestibility with amino acid composition.
A question about PDCAAS Score? Ask our nutrition AI.
Ask a question