Purdue Study Finds 2 Oz-Eq Animal Proteins Deliver More EAAs Than Plant Foods
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · Jun 7
Purdue Study Finds 2 Oz-Eq Animal Proteins Deliver More EAAs Than Plant Foods
2 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · Jun 7
Summary
Two randomized crossover trials in 55 adults found meals with 2 oz-eq of pork or eggs produced higher essential amino acid bioavailability than equal ounce-equivalent servings of black beans or almonds.
Blood samples taken over 300 minutes showed lean pork delivered the most EAAs, ahead of eggs, while black beans and almonds did not differ; responses were similar in young and older adults.
The findings challenge the Dietary Guidelines' ounce-equivalent system, under which 1 oz-eq can mean 1 ounce of meat, 1 egg, 0.25 cups of beans, or 0.5 ounces of nuts despite large differences in protein quality.
Researchers said the study measured amino acid availability, not actual muscle growth or strength, while a 2025 review found animal protein had only a small overall muscle-mass advantage and soy often performed comparably.