Understanding biological value

Naturally High Protein Milk with Outstanding Biological Value

The biological value (BV) of protein is a measure of how well the body can use a particular protein from the diet. It considers the proportion of absorbed protein that is retained for growth and maintenance of the body. BV tells us how efficiently a protein source can be converted into body tissues and how good it is at meeting our body’s needs.

Biological value (BV) is crucial because it measures a protein’s effectiveness in supporting growth and maintenance by building and repairing tissues, creating enzymes and hormones, and aiding overall development[1]. High BV proteins are nutritionally efficient, requiring smaller quantities to fulfil the body’s needs, which is especially beneficial for individuals with increased protein demands, such as sportsmen and women,  too those recovering from illness.

Milk protein, comprising both casein and whey, boasts a high BV, with whey protein being among the highest of all food proteins. This high BV indicates that milk proteins are exceptionally well utilised by the body[2]. In contrast, plant based alternatives provide much less protein, if any.

Deeper dive into BV; Not all proteins are equal  

BV measures the body’s ability to utilize a specific protein source, based on its amino acid composition, especially the presence and balance of essential amino acids that the body cannot produce.

Complete proteins, which contain all essential amino acids in the right proportions, tend to have higher BVs. Additionally, proteins that are easily digestible and absorbed are rated more favourably[3]. Animal based proteins, such as those found in meat, eggs, and fish, typically have high BVs due to their complete amino acid profiles and excellent digestibility[4]. In contrast, plant based proteins often have lower BVs because of potential deficiencies in essential amino acids and lower digestibility[5].

Among the top sources of high BV proteins are milk proteins, composed of whey and casein[6].

Biological value plays a pivotal role in determining the body’s efficient use of dietary protein. SuperNutrio, with its high naturally occurring, highly digestible dairy protein comprising a perfect amino acid profile, is an excellent choice for maximizing protein intake for all age groups and life stages. By understanding and considering BV, individuals can make informed dietary decisions aligned with their health and fitness aspirations. Choose SuperNutrio high protein milk for a superior, natural protein source to support your optimal health and wellness.

Comparison to Plant Based Dairy Alternatives like Oat Milk

• Protein Content: Oat milk has a lower protein content compared to cow’s milk. While cow’s milk has about eight grams of protein per cup, oat milk typically has only 2 4 grams per cup.
• Amino Acid Profile: The protein in SuperNutrio contains all essential amino acids in the right proportions needed by the body, making it a complete protein.
• Digestibility and Absorption: Animal proteins, like those in cow’s milk, are more easily digested and absorbed by the human body compared to plant proteins. This is reflected in their higher biological values.

The Superiority of SuperNutrio Protein: SuperNutrio is high in naturally occurring high quality milk protein that provides an exceptional amino acid profile and digestibility. This natural dairy protein includes both whey protein, which is rapidly absorbed and ideal for post exercise recovery, and casein, which offers a sustained release of amino acids. Scientific studies consistently highlight the superiority of dairy proteins over other sources in terms of BV and overall effectiveness[7].

How much protein?

Protein is an essential macronutrient required at various levels throughout different life stages to support growth, maintenance, and overall health. The Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for protein, expressed in grams per day (g/d), varies significantly depending on age, sex, and specific conditions such as pregnancy and breastfeeding.

For infants under one year of age, the RNI for protein increases as they grow, starting from 12.5 g/d for those between 0 3 months, rising slightly to 12.7 g/d from 4 6 months, reaching 13.7 g/d between 7 9 months, and finally peaking at 14.9 g/d for those aged 10 12 months[8]. This gradual increase supports rapid growth and development during the first year of life.

As children grow, their protein needs continue to increase. For toddlers aged 1 3 years, the RNI is set at 14.5 g/d. This requirement increases to 19.7 g/d for children aged 4 6 years and further to 28.3 g/d for those aged 7 10 years. These increments reflect the needs of growing bodies that are developing muscle mass and bone density.

During adolescence, the protein requirements become more differentiated between males and females due to varying rates of growth and development. For males aged 11 14 years, the RNI is 42.1 g/d, while for females of the same age, it is slightly lower at 41.2 g/d. The gap widens in the 15–18 year age group, with males requiring 55.2 g/d and females needing 45.4 g/d, supporting the higher muscle mass development typically seen in males.

In adulthood, protein requirements stabilize but still reflect differences between sexes. From 19 50 years, males require 55.5 g/d of protein, while females need 45.0 g/d. For adults aged fifty and above, the requirements slightly adjust to 53.3 g/d for males and 46.5 g/d for females, accommodating changes in muscle mass and metabolic rate that come with aging.

Special conditions such as pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly increase protein needs to support both the mother and the developing or nursing infant. During pregnancy, an additional 6 g/d of protein is recommended. For breastfeeding women, the RNI is further increased by 11 g/d when the baby is 0 6 months of age, and by 8 g/d when the baby is older than 6 months, reflecting the high demand for protein in milk production.

These RNIs highlight the critical role of protein throughout different life stages and conditions, emphasizing the need for adequate intake to ensure optimal health and development. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein in adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day for healthy adults[9]. However, there is a growing body of credible evidence recommending an increased intake for all, particularly those that are active, and adults to preserve muscle mass into later life[10].

Table X. UK protein requirements by life stage as advised by SCAN[11] 

One serving of 250ml meets 70% of daily calcium needs, 54% of phosphorous needs and 17,5g of high quality protein.

Given these varying needs, SuperNutrio high protein milk is an excellent choice for all age groups. It provides a high quality protein source with an exceptional amino acid profile and digestibility. By understanding and considering BV, individuals can make informed dietary decisions that align with their health and fitness goals. SuperNutrio offers a natural, superior protein source to support optimal health and wellness throughout all stages of life.

[1] Biological Value   an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

[2] Biological Value – An Overview – Taylor & Francis (taylorandfrancis.com)

[3] is Best, P. W. (2019). Protein Which is Best?. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 12, 01.

[4] Iqbal, S. (2022). High protein foods: a comparison of animal origin vs plant origin. In Plant Protein Foods (pp. 1 25). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

[5] Mariotti, F., & Gardner, C. D. (2019). Dietary protein and amino acids in vegetarian diets—A review. Nutrients, 11(11), 2661.

[6] Moughan, P. J. (2020). Milk proteins: A rich source of bioactives for developing functional foods. In Milk proteins (pp. 633 649). Academic Press.

[7] Moughan, P. J. (2020). Milk proteins: A rich source of bioactives for developing functional foods. In Milk proteins (pp. 633 649). Academic Press.

[8] https://www.nutrition.org.uk/media/1z2ekndj/nutrition requirements update.pdf

[9] nutrition requirements.pdf

[10] Stijepić, I., Malinović, N., Vujasinović, D., & Stijepić, M. POSSIBILITIES OF USING WHEY PROTEIN AS SUPPLEMENTS IN THE NUTRITION OF ATHLETES. In Scientific Conference SANUS 2023 (p. 177).

[11] nutrition requirements.pdf