This study investigated the importance of dairy products, legumes (dhal) and rice as protein sources in South India. A 7-day nutrition survey was conducted among 100 families in Madras City. Thirty-two families answered all the questions. The nutrient sufficient rate was calculated. Amino acid score and PFC balance were also calculated to compare the quality of protein intakes between India and Japan.
1) Intakes of energy, protein and fat were 1, 687kcal/day/capita, 59.6g/day/capita and 277.9g/day/capita, respectively.
2) The highest contribution rate of energy intake was 34.5% from rice.
3) The contribution rates of legumes, rice and dairy products as total protein intake were 28.3%, 21.2% and 9.4%, respectively.
4) Amino acid score of meals was 81, and the first limiting amino acid was sulfur amino acid.
The result of the investigation indicated that protein supply in terms of quantity was sufficient, but not in terms of quality, and that the supply of sulfur amino acid from eggs and/or plant foods was particularly needed for inhabitants of this area.
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