If a food does not contain the necessary amounts of a certain amino acid to meet a body need, that amino acid is referred to as a(n)
A) complementary amino acid.
B) essential amino acid.
C) limiting amino acid.
D) dispensable amino acid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "limiting amino acid" refers to an essential amino acid that is not present in sufficient amounts in a food to meet a body's needs. This can limit the body's ability to build proteins and can lead to a protein deficiency. A complementary amino acid is an amino acid that can be paired with another amino acid to make a complete protein. An essential amino acid is one that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through the diet. A dispensable amino acid is an amino acid that the body can produce on its own and does not need to obtain from the diet.

If a Food Does Not Contain the Necessary Amounts of a Certain