The Claim

In vitro DIAAS scores indicate that soymilk and tofu have protein quality suitable to serve as plant-based alternatives to animal-based foods, but this conclusion is limited to laboratory measurements and does not reflect human nutritional outcomes.

Source: In vitro DIAAS of Swiss soybean cultivars using the INFOGEST model: Increase in protein quality from soybean to soymilk and tofu.

What the research says

Roughly balanced

Support and challenge are close. The picture may shift as more studies come in.

Supports
6score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Laboratory tests show that soymilk and tofu have protein quality comparable to animal-based foods, but these tests do not measure how well humans digest or use that protein.

See the scientific wording

The study concludes that soymilk and tofu have protein quality suitable to serve as plant-based alternatives to animal-based foods based on in vitro DIAAS scores, but this conclusion is limited to laboratory measurements and does not reflect human nutritional outcomes.

Why this might work

When soy-based foods are broken down in a lab that mimics the human digestive system, their proteins release amino acids in amounts similar to animal proteins, but this lab result does not show how well those amino acids are actually used by the human body after eating.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: In vitro DIAAS of Swiss soybean cultivars using the INFOGEST model: Increase in protein quality from soybean to soymilk and tofu.

    The study found that soymilk and tofu have high-quality protein in lab tests, so they might replace meat, but it doesn’t prove people will absorb the nutrients better yet — which is exactly what the claim says.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.