The effect of fortification of processed soya flour with dl-methionine hydroxy analogue or dl-methionine on the digestibility, biological value, and net protein utilization of the proteins as studied in children

Abstract

The true digestibility coefficient, biological value, and net available protein of diets based on processed soya flour supplemented with dl-methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA) or dl-methionine (at a level of 1.2 g/16 g N) have been determined in children aged 8-9 years. The mean daily intake of protein by the children on the different diets was maintained at a level of about 1.2 g/kg body weight. Supplementation of soya flour with dl-methionine brought about a marked increase in the biological value and net protein utilization of the proteins. MHA was, however, slightly less effective than dl-methionine in this respect. The biological value and net protein utilization of the different proteins were as follows: soya flour, 63.5 and 53.3; soya flour + MHA, 71.5 and 61.4; soya flour + methionine, 74.9 and 64.7; and skim milk powder, 82.6 and 72.0.