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Mertens E, Deriemaeker P, Van Beneden K. Analysis of the Nutritional Composition of Ready-to-Use Meat Alternatives in Belgium. Nutrients 2024; 16:1648. [PMID: 38892581 PMCID: PMC11175014 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interest in meat alternatives has increased over the years as people embrace more varied food choices because of different reasons. This study aims to analyse the nutritional composition of ready-to-use meat alternatives and compare them with meat (products). METHODS Nutritional composition values were collected in 2022 of all ready-to-use meat alternatives in Belgian supermarkets, as well as their animal-based counterparts. A one-sample t-test was performed to test the nutritional composition of ready-to-use meat alternatives against norm values, while an independent samples t-test was used to make the comparison with meat. RESULTS Minced meat and pieces/strips/cubes scored favourably on all norm values. Cheeseburgers/schnitzels, nut/seed burgers and sausages contained more than 10 g/100 g total fat. The saturated fat and salt content was lower than the norm value in each category. Legume burgers/falafel contained less than 10 g/100 g protein. Vegetarian/vegan minced meat and bacon contained fewer calories, total and saturated fat, and more fibre compared to their animal-based counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Minced meat and pieces/strips/cubes came out as the most favourable categories regarding nutritional composition norm values. Vegetarian/vegan steak came out the least favourable compared to steak, while vegetarian/vegan minced meat and vegetarian/vegan bacon came out the most favourable compared to their animal-based counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Mertens
- Department of Health Care, Design and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (P.D.); (K.V.B.)
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Deriemaeker
- Department of Health Care, Design and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (P.D.); (K.V.B.)
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katrien Van Beneden
- Department of Health Care, Design and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (P.D.); (K.V.B.)
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El Sadig R, Wu J. Are novel plant-based meat alternatives the healthier choice? Food Res Int 2024; 183:114184. [PMID: 38760126 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The global market for plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) is expanding quickly. In this narrative review, analysis of the most recent scientific literature was achieved to understand the nutritional profile, health implications, and the challenges faced by PBMAs. On the positive side, most PBMAs are good sources of dietary fiber, contain phytochemicals, have comparable levels of iron, and are lower in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol than meat. However, PBMAs frequently contain anti-nutrients, have less protein, iron, and vitamin B12, are lower in protein quality, and also have higher amounts of sodium. Substituting PBMAs for meats may cause iron, vitamin B12, and less likely protein deficiency for these vulnerable population such as women, older adults, and individuals with disorders. PBMAs fall into the category of ultra-processed foods, indicating a need to develop minimally processed, clean-label products. Replacing red meat with healthy plant-based foods is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and total mortality. There is a lack of robust, long-term evidence on the role of PBMAs consumption in health. As the nutrient contents of PBMAs can vary, consumers must read nutrition facts labels and ingredient lists to select a product that best fits their nutritional and health objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan El Sadig
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture/Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Jianping Wu
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture/Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada.
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Kronsteiner-Gicevic S, Bogl LH, Wakolbinger M, Müller S, Dietrich J, De Keyzer W, Bullón-Vela V, Selinger E, Keller V, Martínez Tabar A, Asif T, Craig L, Kyle J, Schlesinger S, Köder C, Ouradova A, Henikova M, Van Lippevelde W, Cahova M, Martínez González MA, Willett W, Bes-Rastrollo M, Gojda J, De Henauw S, Keller M, Kuzma M, Schernhammer E. Development of the VEGANScreener, a Tool for a Quick Diet Quality Assessment among Vegans in Europe. Nutrients 2024; 16:1344. [PMID: 38732591 PMCID: PMC11085181 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-based diets are not inherently healthy. Similar to omnivorous diets, they may contain excessive amounts of sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, or lack diversity. Moreover, vegans might be at risk of inadequate intake of certain vitamins and minerals commonly found in foods that they avoid. We developed the VEGANScreener, a tool designed to assess the diet quality of vegans in Europe. METHODS Our approach combined best practices in developing diet quality metrics with scale development approaches and involved the following: (a) narrative literature synthesis, (b) evidence evaluation by an international panel of experts, and (c) translation of evidence into a diet screener. We employed a modified Delphi technique to gather opinions from an international expert panel. RESULTS Twenty-five experts in the fields of nutrition, epidemiology, preventive medicine, and diet assessment participated in the first round, and nineteen participated in the subsequent round. Initially, these experts provided feedback on a pool of 38 proposed items from the literature review. Consequently, 35 revised items, with 17 having multiple versions, were suggested for further consideration. In the second round, 29 items were retained, and any residual issues were addressed in the final consensus meeting. The ultimate screener draft encompassed 29 questions, with 17 focusing on foods and nutrients to promote, and 12 addressing foods and nutrients to limit. The screener contained 24 food-based and 5 nutrient-based questions. CONCLUSIONS We elucidated the development process of the VEGANScreener, a novel diet quality screener for vegans. Future endeavors involve contrasting the VEGANScreener against benchmark diet assessment methodologies and nutritional biomarkers and testing its acceptance. Once validated, this instrument holds potential for deployment as a self-assessment application for vegans and as a preliminary dietary screening and counseling tool in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Kronsteiner-Gicevic
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonie H. Bogl
- Department Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Wakolbinger
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Müller
- Research Institute for Plant-Based Nutrition, 35444 Biebertal, Germany
| | - Joelina Dietrich
- Research Institute for Plant-Based Nutrition, 35444 Biebertal, Germany
| | - Willem De Keyzer
- School of Bioscience and Industrial Technology, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Bullón-Vela
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra-IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain (M.B.-R.)
| | - Eliska Selinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Center for Public Health Promotion, National Institute of Public Health, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vanessa Keller
- Research Institute for Plant-Based Nutrition, 35444 Biebertal, Germany
| | - Ainara Martínez Tabar
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra-IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain (M.B.-R.)
| | - Tooba Asif
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leone Craig
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Janet Kyle
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Sabrina Schlesinger
- Institute for Biometrics and Epidemiology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich, Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Köder
- Research Institute for Plant-Based Nutrition, 35444 Biebertal, Germany
| | - Anna Ouradova
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marina Henikova
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Wendy Van Lippevelde
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Department of Marketing Innovation & Organisation Unit Consumer Behaviour, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Monika Cahova
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 140 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miguel Angel Martínez González
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra-IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain (M.B.-R.)
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Walter Willett
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maira Bes-Rastrollo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra-IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain (M.B.-R.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan Gojda
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Markus Keller
- Research Institute for Plant-Based Nutrition, 35444 Biebertal, Germany
| | - Marek Kuzma
- Institute of Microbiology of the CAS, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Herter J, Huber R, Storz MA. The potential renal acid load of plant-based meat alternatives. Eur J Clin Nutr 2024:10.1038/s41430-024-01434-8. [PMID: 38504022 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-024-01434-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are food products derived from plants and designed to mimic the preparation methods, nutritional profile, and sensorial qualities of meat. PBMAs are currently subject to a controversial debate concerning their health value. Here, we reviewed PBMAs' potential renal acid load (PRAL). The PRAL is an estimate for the amount of acid or base a certain food produces in the human body, and was associated with tissue damage and acid stress. PRAL values varied substantially across the examined foods, and differences were as large as 19.73 mEq per 100 g of PBMA. Mycoprotein- and wheat-based PBMAs were more acidic than conventional meats. The majority of items, however, exerted a lower PRAL to the human kidneys when compared to their meat-based counterparts. Our findings reiterate that not all PBMAs are created equal, and suggest that PBMAs are generally not suitable to substantially alkalize an individual's diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Herter
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Roman Huber
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Maximilian Andreas Storz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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Daniel H. Dietary proteins: from evolution to engineering. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1366174. [PMID: 38435096 PMCID: PMC10907992 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1366174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Because of the indispensable amino acids dietary proteins are the most important macronutrients. Proper growth and body maintenance depends on the quantity and quality of protein intake and proteins have thus been most crucial throughout evolution with hominins living in quite diverse food ecosystems. Developments in agriculture and food science have increased availability and diversity of food including protein for a rapidly growing world population while nutrient deficiencies resulting in stunting in children for example have been reduced. Nevertheless, the developing world and growing population needs more protein of high quality - with around 400 million tons per annum estimated for 2050. In contrary, protein consumption in all developed countries exceeds meanwhile the recommended intakes considerably with consequences for health and the environment. There is a growing interest in dietary proteins driven by the quest for more sustainable diets and the increasing food demand for a growing world population. This brings new and novel sources such as algae, yeast, insects or bacteria into play in delivering the biomass but also new technologies such as precision fermentation or in vitro meat/fish or dairy. What needs to be considered when such new protein sources are explored is that proteins need to provide not only the required amino acids but also functionality in the food produced thereof. This review considers human physiology and metabolism in the context of protein intake from an evolutionary perspective and prospects on future protein production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore Daniel
- School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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Yanni AE, Iakovidi S, Vasilikopoulou E, Karathanos VT. Legumes: A Vehicle for Transition to Sustainability. Nutrients 2023; 16:98. [PMID: 38201928 PMCID: PMC10780344 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Legumes are an excellent source of protein and have been used in the human diet for centuries. Consumption of legumes has been linked to several health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and certain types of cancer, while legumes' high fiber content promotes digestive health. Aside from the positive health benefits, one of the most significant advantages of legumes is the low environmental footprint of their cultivation. They can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types, and they require less water and fertilizer than other crops, making them a sustainable option for farmers. Thanks to their nutritional and physicochemical properties, they are widely used by the food industry since the growing popularity of plant-based diets and the increasing demand for alternatives to meat offers the opportunity to develop legume-based meat substitutes. As the use of legumes as a source of protein becomes widespread, new market opportunities could be created for farmers and food industries, while the reduction in healthcare costs could have a potential economic impact. Achieving widespread adoption of legumes as a sustainable source of protein requires coordinated efforts by individuals, governments, and the private sector. The objective of this narrative review is to present the benefits coming from legume consumption in terms of health and environmental sustainability, and underline the importance of promoting their inclusion in the daily dietary pattern as well as their use as functional ingredients and plant-based alternatives to animal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia E. Yanni
- Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Physical Chemistry of Foods, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave, 176-71 Athens, Greece; (S.I.); (E.V.); (V.T.K.)
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Elhalis H, See XY, Osen R, Chin XH, Chow Y. The potentials and challenges of using fermentation to improve the sensory quality of plant-based meat analogs. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1267227. [PMID: 37860141 PMCID: PMC10582269 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1267227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the advancements made in improving the quality of plant-based meat substitutes, more work needs to be done to match the texture, appearance, and flavor of real meat. This review aims to cover the sensory quality constraints of plant-based meat analogs and provides fermentation as a sustainable approach to push these boundaries. Plant-based meat analogs have been observed to have weak and soft textural quality, poor mouth feel, an unstable color, and unpleasant and beany flavors in some cases, necessitating the search for efficient novel technologies. A wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, as well as fungi like Fusarium venenatum and Neurospora intermedia, have improved the product texture to mimic fibrous meat structures. Additionally, the chewiness and hardness of the resulting meat analogs have been further improved through the use of Bacillus subtilis. However, excessive fermentation may result in a decrease in the final product's firmness and produce a slimy texture. Similarly, several microbial metabolites can mimic the color and flavor of meat, with some concerns. It appears that fermentation is a promising approach to modulating the sensory profiles of plant-derived meat ingredients without adverse consequences. In addition, the technology of starter cultures can be optimized and introduced as a new strategy to enhance the organoleptic properties of plant-based meat while still meeting the needs of an expanding and sustainable economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosam Elhalis
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Food Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xin Yi See
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Raffael Osen
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xin Hui Chin
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yvonne Chow
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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Elhalis H, See XY, Osen R, Chin XH, Chow Y. Significance of Fermentation in Plant-Based Meat Analogs: A Critical Review of Nutrition, and Safety-Related Aspects. Foods 2023; 12:3222. [PMID: 37685155 PMCID: PMC10486689 DOI: 10.3390/foods12173222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-based meat analogs have been shown to cause less harm for both human health and the environment compared to real meat, especially processed meat. However, the intense pressure to enhance the sensory qualities of plant-based meat alternatives has caused their nutritional and safety aspects to be overlooked. This paper reviews our current understanding of the nutrition and safety behind plant-based meat alternatives, proposing fermentation as a potential way of overcoming limitations in these aspects. Plant protein blends, fortification, and preservatives have been the main methods for enhancing the nutritional content and stability of plant-based meat alternatives, but concerns that include safety, nutrient deficiencies, low digestibility, high allergenicity, and high costs have been raised in their use. Fermentation with microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Neurospora intermedia, and Rhizopus oryzae improves digestibility and reduces allergenicity and antinutritive factors more effectively. At the same time, microbial metabolites can boost the final product's safety, nutrition, and sensory quality, although some concerns regarding their toxicity remain. Designing a single starter culture or microbial consortium for plant-based meat alternatives can be a novel solution for advancing the health benefits of the final product while still fulfilling the demands of an expanding and sustainable economy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yvonne Chow
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore; (H.E.); (X.Y.S.); (R.O.); (X.H.C.)
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