Supplementary action of proteins

• Pulses are rich in proteins but are deficient in sulphur containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine
• Cereals are deficient in amino acid lysine
• When pulses and cereals are taken together, they have a synergistic effect as the limiting amino acid of one is provided by the other
  • This property is known as supplementary action of proteins

Some food combinations based on supplementary action of proteins:

• peanut butter sandwich
• rice and beans