Which food is commonly cited as having one of the highest quality proteins due to a complete amino acid pattern?

• A. Rice
• B. Corn
• C. Banana
• D. Egg

Answer: (D)

Proteins vary in quality based on whether they supply all essential amino acids in the right amounts and how well the body can use them. A complete protein provides all nine essential amino acids in adequate proportions and is highly digestible. Eggs fit this description as one of the highest quality proteins: they deliver a balanced spectrum of essential amino acids and are highly digestible, giving them a very high biological value and a top PDCAAS score.

In contrast, common staple cereals provide amino acids unevenly; rice tends to be low in lysine, corn is limited in lysine and tryptophan, and while bananas offer some amino acids, they contribute very little total protein and do not supply all essential amino acids in meaningful amounts. That’s why eggs are recognized as having one of the highest quality protein patterns.