Which food is a complete protein source?

Which food is a complete protein source?

• A. Eggs
• B. Cereal
• C. Peanut butter
• D. Pasta

Answer: (A)

Complete proteins provide all nine essential amino acids in amounts the body needs. Eggs deliver high-quality protein with all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities, so they are a complete protein source. Foods like cereals, peanut butter, and pasta can provide protein, but they’re typically incomplete because they lack one or more essential amino acids on their own. They can help meet protein needs when combined with other foods that supply the missing amino acids, but by themselves they don’t provide everything necessary.

Complete proteins provide all nine essential amino acids in amounts the body needs. Eggs deliver high-quality protein with all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities, so they are a complete protein source. Foods like cereals, peanut butter, and pasta can provide protein, but they’re typically incomplete because they lack one or more essential amino acids on their own. They can help meet protein needs when combined with other foods that supply the missing amino acids, but by themselves they don’t provide everything necessary.