IDF News Briefs

This edition of the Newsbrief has a special focus on events as valuable platforms for the exchange of ideas, opportunities for networking and presenting the latest research and technological advancements. We also take a look at IDF's latest publications, articles and factsheets.

DIAAS, Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score for assessing protein quality, will be fully endorsed upon completion of a programme of research to confirm the animal assay and to create a database of standard protein food values. In the interim, DIAAS can be estimated using published faecal crude protein digestibility values.

Executive Summary

• The nutritional value of a dietary protein source relates to the delivery of indispensable amino acids to the body

• The content, pattern and bioavailability of indispensable amino acids determine the quality of the protein

• Methods for measuring protein quality assess the ability of a dietary protein to meet human requirements for indispensable amino acids1

• Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) is a new assessment method that more accurately measures protein quality

• DIAAS was recommended by an FAO expert consultation on protein quality2

• DIAAS is based on the ileal digestible individual indispensable amino acids in the dietary protein relative to human reference amino acid requirement pattern

• True ileal digestibility of individual amino acids is the most accurate measurement of digestion and absorption of dietary amino acids

• The protein quality score is determined by the lowest ratio of digestible indispensable amino acid content to the corresponding  indispensable amino acid in the reference pattern

• Scores may be greater than 1 (or 100%) if the protein contains a relatively high content of indispensable amino acids recognizing surplus amino acids in higher quality protein sources

• Values above 100% should not be truncated except where calculating DIAAS for protein or amino acid intakes for mixed diets or sole source foods2

• Dairy proteins are higher quality and have DIAAS values greater than 100%

• Milk powder has a DIAAS (%) of 1222

• Protein quality scores may be important in the future for adjusting/ informing/understanding the available protein or amino acid content of foods

• High protein quality foods such as dairy can be used to complement foods of poorer quality for cost effective and efficient use of available foods

• DIAAS will be fully endorsed upon completion of a programme of research to generate a database of indispensable amino acids ileal digestibility values for standard protein foods.

This edition of the Newsbrief has a special focus on the importance of collaboration, and its particular relevance to IDF's work in the fields of sustainability and standard setting. We also take a look at IDF's upcoming events.

This 'Summit Special' edition of the Newsbrief covers highlights from numerous IDF expert committee meetings that took place in Yokohama, Japan, before the IDF World Dairy Summit 2013. Find out more about the IDF expert network and programme of work.

As the final preparations for the upcoming IDF World Dairy Summit are underway, it appears safe to conclude that this year’s programme is shaping up to be just as diverse and insightful as ever.

Newsbrief 97 published 22 October 2013

Newsbrief 98 published 11 December 2013

News brief 96 published September 2013

Newsbrief 95 published July 2013

News Brief 93

FAO report reveals that the environmental impact of the dairy sector accounts for 2.7%
This comprehensive report available at http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/41353/icode/ is the continuation of many IDF initiatives taken in the area of sustainability.

The publication of the FAO report, the Global Dairy Agenda for Action involving key signatories in a common effort to produce nutritious food for today and for future generations in a sustainable way, the sustainability web portal (www.dairysustainabilityinitiative.org) - a tool for sharing information and best practices on environmentally focused initiatives - are key examples that demonstrate IDF involvement and proactivity in this area.