The protein quality indicator adopted by ICMR in recommending dietary protein requirement is
**Core Concept**
The protein quality indicator is a measure used to assess the nutritional value of protein sources. It evaluates the ability of a protein to provide essential amino acids necessary for growth and maintenance of body tissues. The indicator is crucial in determining dietary protein requirements for various populations.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The protein quality indicator adopted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). PDCAAS is a method used to evaluate the quality of protein based on its digestibility and the presence of essential amino acids. It takes into account the digestibility of the protein, which is a measure of how well the body can absorb the protein from a particular food source. The PDCAAS score ranges from 0 to 1, where a higher score indicates a higher quality protein.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not mention a specific protein quality indicator adopted by ICMR.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is not a recognized protein quality indicator.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is not related to the protein quality indicator adopted by ICMR.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to note that the protein quality indicator is not the same as the protein content in food. For example, a food may have a high protein content but low protein quality, making it less effective in meeting dietary protein requirements.
**Correct Answer: D. PDCAAS**