Threoninerich

Threoninerich is a descriptive term used for foods or protein ingredients that have a high content of the essential amino acid threonine relative to other amino acids. Threonine is indispensable for humans and many animals, required for protein synthesis, mucin production in the gut, and the maintenance of immune and cognitive function. The term is used in nutrition labeling and in formulating protein-quality assessments, often expressed as mg of threonine per gram of protein or as a percentage of total amino acids.

Threonine content varies with protein source. Animal-derived proteins such as milk protein (casein, whey), eggs, and lean meats generally provide substantial amounts of threonine. Plant-based sources including soy products, certain beans, and seeds may also be rich in threonine, but the overall amino acid balance matters; cereals tend to be relatively lower in threonine. In plant-based diets, combining complementary proteins can help ensure adequate threonine intake.

In food formulation and veterinary or medical nutrition, higher threonine levels may be targeted to support growth, gut health, or tissue maintenance. Threonine supplementation is occasionally used in medical nutrition or animal feed when dietary intake is insufficient, and such use should be guided by professionals.

See also: essential amino acids, protein quality, amino acid score, PDCAAS, dietary reference intakes.