What Is PDCAAS?
The Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) is a measure used to evaluate the quality of a protein based on both its amino acid composition and its digestibility[1]. Developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), it ranks proteins on a scale from 0 to 1, with 1 being the highest score, indicating the protein meets the human body’s essential amino acid requirements[2]. This score helps determine how effectively a protein source can support human growth and maintenance, making it a crucial tool in nutrition science and food labelling.
PDCAAS and Whey Protein
Whey protein, derived from milk during the cheese-making process, is renowned for its high PDCAAS value, scoring 1.0[1], the maximum possible score. This indicates that whey protein contains all essential amino acids in proportions that meet human dietary needs and is highly digestible. Its superior PDCAAS makes whey protein an excellent choice for promoting muscle growth, recovery, and overall health. Athletes and individuals seeking to enhance their protein intake often favour whey protein due to its optimal amino acid profile and efficient absorption, underscoring its status as a high-quality protein source.