Questionhi dr,
actually i'm strict vegetarian and was concerned about my protein intake. as i've heard that veg diets do not contain all essential amino acids. i'm allergic to soy products. that's why i need your advise. i'm 30 yrs male weighing 90 kgs. how can i meet to my protein needs. does rice and wheat products are sufficient? i took this amino-acid supplementation (aminofit)last night. it's ingredients are - L-alanine 21.5 mg, L-arginine 38 mg, L-aspartic acid 58 mg, L-cysteine hydrochloride 6.5 mg, L-glutamic acid 94 mg, glycine 21 mg, L-histidine 13 mg, L- hydroxylysine 1.37 mg, L-isoleucine 24.5 mg, L-leucine 40.5 mg, L-lysine 31.5 mg, L-methionine 6.5 mg, L-ornithine 3.1 mg, L-phenylalanine 26 mg, L-proline 2.5 mg, L-serine 26 mg, L-threonine 19 mg, L-tryptophan 7 mg, L- tyrosine 19 mg, L-valine 25 mg.
My concern is that do they are injurious for my health?
AnswerHi Alen,
It's likely you are getting all the amino acids you need if you have a balanced diet with variety included! There are many civilizations that have lived for centuries without meat, eggs, or soy. If you always include two of these three food groups at a meal: beans and legumes, vegetables, starch (like pasta, rice, wheat) you will get a good combination of the amino acids. We see cultural dishes like rice and beans, tomato sauce and spaghetti, and corn tortillas with beans that are examples of combining proteins like this to get all the essential amino acids.
If you do consume dairy and/or eggs you have a great protein source as well.
If it puts your mind at ease, a physical examination might serve to show you your present state of health. The body does an amazing job of building what we need from what we eat, though, and your worries are probably unfounded if you have a healthy balanced diet.
Here is some more information: http://www.vegetariannutrition.org/food-pyramid.pdf
