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Protein quality as a complementary functional unit in life cycle assessment (LCA).

Graham A McAuliffeT TakahashiT BealT HuppertzF LeroyJ ButtrissA L CollinsA DrewnowskiS J McLarenF OrtenziJ C van der PolsS van VlietM R F Lee
Published in: The international journal of life cycle assessment (2022)
First, we provide a list of suggestions which are intended to (a) assist with deciding whether protein-quality correction is necessary for a specific research question and (b) acknowledge additional uncertainties by providing mitigating opportunities to avoid misinterpretation (or worse, dis-interpretation) of protein-focused nLCA studies. We conclude that as relevant (primary) data availability from supply chain 'gatekeepers' (e.g., international agri-food distributors and processors) becomes more prevalent, detailed consideration of IAA provision of contrasting protein sources needs to be acknowledged-ideally quantitatively with DIAAS being one example-in nLCA studies utilising protein as a nFU. We also contend that future nLCA studies should discuss the complementarity of amino acid balances at the meal-level, as a minimum, rather than the product level when assessing protein metabolic responses of consumers. Additionally, a broader set of nutrients should ideally be included when evaluating "protein-rich foods" which provide nutrients that extend beyond amino acids, which is of particular importance when exploring dietary-level nLCA.
Keyphrases
  • amino acid
  • protein protein
  • binding protein
  • palliative care
  • climate change
  • case control
  • deep learning
  • electronic health record
  • clinical evaluation