ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

How are protein concentrates produced?

1. By drying liquid protein sources

2. By extracting protein using heat, acid, and enzymes

3. By fermenting whole foods

4. By blending multiple protein sources together

The correct answer is: By extracting protein using heat, acid, and enzymes

Protein concentrates are produced primarily through the process of extracting protein from various sources, such as legumes, dairy, or animal products, often utilizing heat, acid, and enzymes. This method helps in isolating protein while removing a portion of the fats and carbohydrates typically present in whole food sources. In this context, the specific use of heat can denature proteins, allowing them to be more readily separated from other components. Acid can also precipitate proteins out of solution, further enhancing the extraction process. Enzymes might be applied to aid in breaking down complex molecules and enhancing the yield of protein from the raw material. The other options do not accurately depict the production of protein concentrates. Drying liquid protein sources refers more to the process of creating protein powders rather than concentrating the protein itself. Fermenting whole foods generally alters the nutritional properties of the food but does not concentrate protein specifically. Blending multiple protein sources together results in a mixture rather than a concentrated product, as it does not focus on extracting protein from a single source. Thus, the extraction method utilizing heat, acid, and enzymes is the correct explanation for the production of protein concentrates.