Biological evaluation of the nutritional value of the proteins of Haitian cereal-legume blends

Abstract

The nutritive value Haitian cereal-legume blends in optimum combinations was fairly high indicating a reasonably good balance of amino acids. No marked improvement in nutritive value of the blends resulted when they are supplemented with the amino acids indicated to be limiting by calculator. Beans alone are poor in nutritive value as shown by low PER values, low digestibility and low biological value even when tested at optimum protein level. Nutritive value of beans was improved by supplementation with the limiting amino acids as indicated by analytical data. No evidence of riboflavin deficiency appeared when beans were used as a sole source of riboflavin in the diet.