Limiting amino acid
Amino acid within a protein with the lowest amino acid or chemical score; present in the smallest amount relative to a reference.
The indispensable amino acid in shortest supply in a dietary protein, capping the rate of body protein synthesis from that protein. Examples include lysine in cereal grains and methionine in legumes.
How one textbook covers it
Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary
The indispensable amino acid in shortest supply in a dietary protein, capping the rate of body protein synthesis from that protein. Examples include lysine in cereal grains and methionine in legumes.
Related terms
Complete protein, Incomplete protein