Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina The Missing Link in Fat Loss: Protein Quality vs Protein Intake — Dr. Paul Moughan
Feb 9, 2026
Dr. Paul Moughan, a distinguished professor and global authority on protein quality and DIAAS. He explains why protein grams can mislead. Short takes on amino acid digestibility, DIAAS vs older metrics, why protein quality affects hunger and muscle loss, and practical tips for mixing protein sources to preserve lean mass during dieting.
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How Moughan Entered Protein Research
- Paul Moughan began in agricultural science and animal nutrition before shifting to human protein research.
- Working with piglet models led him to study breast milk and human amino acid metabolism.
Amino Acids Are Individual Nutrients
- Each essential amino acid is a distinct nutrient with its own requirement and physiological roles.
- DIAAS (digestible indispensable amino acid score) summarizes amino acid digestibility and quality per food into one useful metric.
Protect Muscle With High-Quality Protein
- During caloric restriction, raise protein intake and choose high-quality proteins to preserve lean mass.
- Aim for utilisable protein targets rather than inflating total protein with low-quality sources.