Reviewed By Grace Llewellyn, Laboratory Services Director, Certified Laboratories
Protein quality is becoming an increasingly important consideration for dietary supplement manufacturers as consumers and regulators focus on protein content, amino acid composition, and digestibility.
At Certified Laboratories, we frequently receive questions about PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) testing. Below are answers to some of the most common questions.
Why is PDCAAS Testing Important?
PDCAAS testing helps manufacturers evaluate the nutritional quality of protein ingredients and finished products. The results can support product development, quality assessments, ingredient comparisons, and nutritional evaluations.
How is Protein Digestibility Determined?
Certified Laboratories uses amino acid analysis and digestibility values referenced from the Genesis R&D Food Manual databases to support PDCAAS calculations.
What Makes Certified Laboratories’ PDCAAS Testing Different?
Certified Laboratories measures protein content using LECO combustion technology, which directly measures total nitrogen in your actual product rather than relying on theoretical values. Combined with amino acid profiling and FDA-referenced digestibility values, this approach provides a comprehensive evaluation of protein quality to support PDCAAS calculations.
What is the Turnaround Time for PDCAAS Testing?
The typical turnaround time for PDCAAS testing is 10–15 business days, depending on the product and testing requirements.
How Long Has Certified Laboratories Been Performing PDCAAS Testing?
Certified Laboratories has provided PDCAAS testing for over 8 years, supporting dietary supplement testing and food manufacturers with protein quality evaluations.
Why Does Certified Laboratories Require a PDCAAS Survey?
The PDCAAS Survey helps us gather information about the protein ingredients in your formulation, including the ratio of each ingredient. This information is used to support the calculation process and ensure the appropriate values are applied when determining the final PDCAAS score.
What Types of Product Matrices Can Certified Laboratories Test for PDCAAS?
Certified Laboratories can perform PDCAAS testing on a wide variety of dietary supplement matrices, including:
- Powders
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Gummies
- Liquids
- Other solid dosage forms
If you have a unique product matrix, our team can review your formulation and discuss the appropriate testing approach.
Which Amino Acids are Included in Routine Amino Acid Analysis?
Routine amino acid analysis includes:
- Histidine
- Threonine
- Tyrosine
- Methionine
- Valine
- Lysine
- Tryptophan
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Phenylalanine
- Cysteine
What Types of Products Benefit from PDCAAS Testing?
PDCAAS testing may be valuable for:
- Protein powders
- Sports nutrition products
- Plant-based protein supplements
- Meal replacement products
- Functional foods
- Protein-fortified beverages
- Nutritional products
Why Choose Certified Laboratories for PDCAAS Testing?
Certified Laboratories offers comprehensive protein testing services, including protein quantitation, amino acid profiling, and support for protein quality assessments. Our team works closely with dietary supplement manufacturers to provide accurate and reliable analytical chemistry data to support product development and quality programs.
Have Additional Questions?
Contact the Certified Laboratories Sales Team to learn more about PDCAAS testing, amino acid analysis, and protein quality testing.
