Before stepping into protein, you should know “amino acids”

Amino acids are organic compounds that made up proteins with various combinations. Among the 20 different amino acids, nine of them are considered as “essential amino acid” because our bodies cannot synthesize them, so they must be obtained through our diet. These nine essential amino acids are vital for maintaining muscle health, supporting immune function, and facilitating overall growth and development.

What is a complete protein?

A "complete" protein is when it contains all nine essential amino acids, which include Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine. The balance of these amino acids is necessary for the body to carry out important functions.

Common sources of complete proteins include animal-based products such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. To learn more about why proteins are vital for our bodies and how much protein you need each day, read “why do we need protein supplements?”.

What is an incomplete protein?

In contrast, an incomplete protein lacks one or more of the nine essential amino acids. A great number of plant-based proteins fall into this category with lacking different amino acids. This can be a challenge for individuals on a plant-based diet who might struggle to get all nine essential amino acids from a single source.

Are Plant-based Proteins Complete Protein?

Then you may ask, are all the plant-based proteins incomplete protein? Not quite, although most plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts, and grains are deficient in one or more essential amino acids and categorized as incomplete proteins, there are still some plant-based sources that are complete protein.

For instance, quinoa, hemp seed, soy and pea are the plants that can offer all nine essential amino acid similar to animal proteins. Besides, it’s entirely possible to meet your protein needs through a plant-based diet by consuming a variety of protein sources throughout the day.

Is Pea Protein Complete Protein?

Yes! Pea protein is one of the few plant-based proteins being as a complete protein. It not only contains all nine essential amino acids, but also stated as highly digestible, making it an excellent option for those who are lactose-intolerant, allergic to soy or gluten, or prefer plant-based protein sources.

Nutrasumma Fermented pea protein also offers enhanced digestibility and absorption by implementing unique biological fermentation technique. By offering three different authentic flavors—Vanilla, Chocolate and Unflavored—it has become increasingly popular among athletes and health-conscious consumers looking for a clean, sustainable protein option.