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Zhou S, Liu X, Cui Y, Chen S, Zhong F, Lu J, Kong C. Molecular investigation of soybean protein for improving the stability of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd.) milk substitute. Food Chem 2024; 461:140829. [PMID: 39146685 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Soybean could greatly improve stability of quinoa milk substitute. However, the key compound and underlying mechanisms remained unclear. Here we showed that soybean protein was the key component for improving quinoa milk substitute stability but not oil or okara. Supplementary level of soybean protein at 0%, 2%, 4%, and 8% of quinoa (w/w) was optimized. Median level at 4% could effectively enhance physical stability, reduce particle size, narrow down particle size distribution, and decrease apparent viscosity of quinoa milk substitute. Microscopic observation further confirmed that soybean protein could prevent phase separation. Besides, soybean protein showed increased surface hydrophobicity. Molecular docking simulated that soybean protein but not quinoa protein, could provide over 10 anchoring points for the most abundant quinoa vanillic acid, through hydrogen bond and Van-der-Waals. These results contribute to improve stability of quinoa based milk substitute, and provide theoretical basis for the interaction of quinoa phenolics and soybean protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumei Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xinghao Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yajun Cui
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Siyi Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Fang Zhong
- Science Center for Future Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Chunli Kong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
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2
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Daszkiewicz T, Florek M, Murawska D, Jabłońska A. A comparison of the quality of UHT milk and its plant-based analogs. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01051-8. [PMID: 39098488 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-25098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare selected physical (density) and physicochemical (color, pH, titratable acidity) properties and the fatty acid profile of dairy UHT milk and its plant-based analogs, i.e., almond, soy, rice, oat, and coconut beverages. Ten products of each type were analyzed in each group. UHT milk was characterized by higher values of color lightness (L*) and titratable acidity than all plant-based milk alternatives, higher yellowness (b*) than rice drink, higher density than almond drink, and higher pH than rice and coconut drinks. In comparison with UHT milk, all plant-based beverages were characterized by higher redness (a*), soy drink was characterized by higher values of b* and chroma (C*), and almond and soy drinks had higher pH values. In the group of non-dairy beverages, the values of b* and C* were highest in soy drink, and the value of a* was highest in almond drink. Almond drink had the highest pH value, and soy and coconut drinks had the highest titratable acidity. Rice drink had higher density than oat, soy and almond drinks. The indicators characterizing the nutritional value of fat were considerably lower in coconut drink and dairy milk than in the remaining products. The values of UFA/SFA, MUFA/SFA, and DFA/OFA ratios and the indicator of nutritional value were highest in rice drink. The PUFA/SFA ratio and the total content of EFAs were highest in soy drink, and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was highest in almond drink.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Daszkiewicz
- Department of Commodity Science and Processing of Animal Raw Materials, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - M Florek
- Department of Quality Assessment and Processing of Animal Products, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - D Murawska
- Department of Commodity Science and Animal Improvement, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - A Jabłońska
- Department of Commodity Science and Processing of Animal Raw Materials, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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3
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Fan X, Liu M, Shi Z, Zhang T, Du L, Wu Z, Zeng X, Wu X, Pan D. Binary probiotic fermentation promotes signal (cyclic AMP) exchange to increases the number of viable probiotics, anthocyanins and polyphenol content, and the odor scores of wolfberry fermented beverages. Food Chem 2024; 448:139085. [PMID: 38518444 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139085] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of binary probiotics (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum CGMCC 1.5953 and Lacticaseibacillus casei CGMCC 1.5956) on the quality of wolfberry fermented beverages (WFB) were investigated. The results indicated that binary probiotics increased the number of probiotics, anthocyanin (89.92 ± 1.64 mg/L), polyphenol content (283.04 ± 3.81 µg/mL), and odor score (24.19) in WFB. Metabolomics found that they could enhance signal exchange (cyclic AMP) between binary probiotics and improve the utilization of citrulline, d-proline, d-glucose, and d-galactose through galactose metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis pathway to promote probiotics growth. Furthermore, HS-SPME-GC-MS and GS-IMS revealed that the improvement in flavor was mainly due to an increase in the content of the aromatic flavor substances 3-heptanol, glutaraldehyde, and 2-heptanone, and a decrease in the content of the off-flavor substances methyl isobutyl ketone-D and 2-undecanone. This is strategically important for the development of WFB with high probiotic content and unique flavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiankang Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Mingzhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Zihang Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
| | - Lihui Du
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Xiaoqun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Daodong Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Protein Food Processing Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China.
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Lu Y, Zhang Y, Wang S. From Palm to Plate: Unveiling the Potential of Coconut as a Plant-Based Food Alternative. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:15058-15076. [PMID: 38920018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
This review investigates coconut as a sustainable and nutrient-rich plant-based alternative to traditional animal-based food sources. We have explored the nutritional profile, culinary versatility, particularly focusing on the use of coconut meat, milk, cream, and oil in diverse dietary contexts when consumed in balance. Comparative analysis with animal-derived products reveals the high content of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), essential vitamins, and minerals in coconut, contrasted with its lower protein content. Researchers have underscored the environmental sustainability of coconut, advocating for its role in eco-friendly food production chains. We have also addressed challenges like potential allergies, nutritional balance, sensory attributes, and consumer motivations for coconut-based products, in terms of understanding the market dynamics. In conclusion, this review positions coconut as a promising candidate within sustainable diet frameworks, advocating for further research to augment its nutritional value, sensory characteristics, and product stability, thereby facilitating its integration into health-conscious and eco-centric dietary practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingshuang Lu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Johnson AJ, Stevenson J, Pettit J, Jasthi B, Byhre T, Harnack L. Assessing the Nutrient Content of Plant-Based Milk Alternative Products Available in the United States. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024:S2212-2672(24)00269-7. [PMID: 38871080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consumption of plant-based milk alternatives is increasing. Current dietary guidance primarily relies on dairy milk as a source of key nutrients of public health concern including calcium and vitamin D. OBJECTIVE To compare the nutritional content of plant-based milk alternatives between categories (eg, soy, almond, and oat) and with dairy milk. DESIGN This study presents an evaluation of the nutritional content of 219 plant-based milk alternatives from 21 brands available in the US marketplace using data from the University of Minnesota Nutrition Coordinating Center's database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Nutrients of focus include those identified as nutrients of public health concern in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans or used by the US Department of Agriculture as criteria for determining whether a plant-based milk is a suitable substitute for dairy milk. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Most data are presented as percent Daily Values. Nutrients and food components were compared using means, medians, IQRs, and ranges. Statistical tests for significance were not used to evaluate between category differences because the plant-based milk alternatives included are a full census of the products from 21 brands available in the marketplace. Because data are a census, differences can be understood to be true differences. RESULTS Fortified soy-based products most closely mimic the nutrient content of dairy milk. High variability was present in all the nutrients and food components. Plant-based milk alternatives were generally lower in protein and saturated fatty acids than dairy milk, with high variability in added sugars content. Approximately 70% were fortified with both calcium and vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that most plant-based milk alternative products are not nutritionally equivalent to dairy milk, and there is high nutritional variability between and within product types. These findings highlight the importance of communicating the nutritional differences between plant-based milk alternatives and dairy milk to consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail J Johnson
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health and Nutrition Coordinating Center, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
| | - Jennifer Stevenson
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health and Nutrition Coordinating Center, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Janet Pettit
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health and Nutrition Coordinating Center, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Bhaskarani Jasthi
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health and Nutrition Coordinating Center, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Tatum Byhre
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health and Nutrition Coordinating Center, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Lisa Harnack
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health and Nutrition Coordinating Center, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Xie AJ, Li MH, Li ZW, Yue XQ. A preparation of debranched waxy maize starch derivatives: Effect of drying temperatures on crystallization and digestibility. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130684. [PMID: 38460647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130684] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The impact of recrystallization conditions and drying temperatures on the crystallization and digestibility of native waxy maize (Zea mays L.) starch (NWMS) was explored. This study involved subjecting NWMS to concurrent debranching and crystallization at 50 °C for up to 7 days. Samples were collected by oven-drying at 40, 60, and 80 °C for 24 h. This simultaneous debranching and crystallization process increased the resistant starch (RS) content by approximately 48 % compared to the native starch. The drying temperatures significantly influenced the RS content, with samples dried at 60 °C exhibiting the lowest digestibility. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that most crystals demonstrated a characteristic A-type arrangement. Debranching and crystallization processes enhanced the crystallinity of the samples. The specific crystal arrangement (A- or B-type) depended on the crystallization conditions. A 15 min heating of NWMS in a boiling water bath increased the digestible fraction to over 90 %, while the samples subjected to debranching and crystallization showed an increase to only about 45 %. A linear correlation between starch fractions and enthalpy was also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Jun Xie
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 119077, Singapore; Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Mo-Han Li
- College of Food Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Wei Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 119077, Singapore; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Storage and Transportation Technology, Changzhou University, 213164, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xi-Qing Yue
- College of Food Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China.
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Yu J, Sun M, Jiang S, Jiang C, Mu G, Tuo Y. Oral Administration of Fermented Milk from Co-Starter Containing Lactobacillus plantarum Y44 Shows an Ameliorating Effect on Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Foods 2024; 13:641. [PMID: 38472752 DOI: 10.3390/foods13050641] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Fermented dairy foods such as yogurt exhibit some beneficial effects on consumers, including relieving the symptoms of hypertension. This study aims to obtain fermented dairy products from a co-starter that have a great flavor and the auxiliary function of reducing blood pressure after longtime consumption. Commercial starter cultures composed of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CICC 6047 and Streptococcus thermophilus CICC 6038 were combined with Lactobacillus plantarum strains Y44, Y12, and Y16, respectively, as a combined starter culture to ferment the mixed milk of skim milk and soybean milk. The fermented milk produced using the combined starter culture mixed with L. plantarum Y44 showed an angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity (53.56 ± 0.69%). Some peptides that regulate blood pressure were released in the fermented milk, such as AMKPWIQPK, GPVRGPFPII, LNVPGEIVE, NIPPLTQTPV, and YQEPVL. In spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) oral-administration experiments compared with the gavage unfermented milk group, the gavage feeding of SHRs with the fermented milk produced using the combined starter culture mixed with L. plantarum Y44 significantly reduced the blood pressure of the SHRs after long-term intragastric administration, shown with the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreasing by 23.67 ± 2.49 mmHg and 15.22 ± 2.62 mmHg, respectively. Moreover, the abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), bacterial diversity in the gut microbiota, and SCFA levels including acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in the feces of the SHRs were increased via oral administration of the fermented milk produced using the combined starter culture containing L. plantarum Y44. Furthermore, the ACE-angiotensin II (Ang II)-angiotensin type 1 (AT 1) axis was downregulated, the angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE 2)-angiotensin(1-7) (Ang1-7)-Mas receptor axis of the SHRs was upregulated, and then the RAS signal was rebalanced. The fermented milk obtained from the combined starter culture shows the potential to be a functional food with antihypertension properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Yu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
- Dalian Probiotics Function Research Key Laboratory, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Mengying Sun
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
- Dalian Probiotics Function Research Key Laboratory, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Shilong Jiang
- Heilongjiang Feihe Dairy Co., Ltd., Beijing 100016, China
| | - Chuqi Jiang
- Heilongjiang Feihe Dairy Co., Ltd., Beijing 100016, China
| | - Guangqing Mu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
- Dalian Probiotics Function Research Key Laboratory, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Yanfeng Tuo
- School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
- Dalian Probiotics Function Research Key Laboratory, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
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Shen X, Xie A, Li Z, Jiang C, Wu J, Li M, Yue X. Research Progress for Probiotics Regulating Intestinal Flora to Improve Functional Dyspepsia: A Review. Foods 2024; 13:151. [PMID: 38201179 PMCID: PMC10778471 DOI: 10.3390/foods13010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The pathophysiology remains poorly understood; however, alterations in the small intestinal microbiome have been observed. Current treatments for FD with drugs are limited, and there are certain safety problems. A class of active probiotic bacteria can control gastrointestinal homeostasis, nutritional digestion and absorption, and the energy balance when taken in certain dosages. Probiotics play many roles in maintaining intestinal microecological balance, improving the intestinal barrier function, and regulating the immune response. The presence and composition of intestinal microorganisms play a vital role in the onset and progression of FD and serve as a critical factor for both regulation and potential intervention regarding the management of this condition. Thus, there are potential advantages to alleviating FD by regulating the intestinal flora using probiotics, targeting intestinal microorganisms. This review summarizes the research progress of probiotics regarding improving FD by regulating intestinal flora and provides a reference basis for probiotics to improve FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Shen
- College of Food Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.S.); (Z.L.); (C.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Aijun Xie
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore;
| | - Zijing Li
- College of Food Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.S.); (Z.L.); (C.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Chengxi Jiang
- College of Food Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.S.); (Z.L.); (C.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Jiaqi Wu
- College of Food Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.S.); (Z.L.); (C.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Mohan Li
- College of Food Science, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.S.); (Z.L.); (C.J.); (J.W.)
| | - Xiqing Yue
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Animal Product Processing, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
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Su W, Zhang YY, Li S, Sheng J. Consumers' Preferences and Attitudes towards Plant-Based Milk. Foods 2023; 13:2. [PMID: 38201030 PMCID: PMC10778246 DOI: 10.3390/foods13010002] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant-based milk (PBM) has become increasingly popular due to its environmental sustainability, health benefits, ingredient abundance, and unique taste. This study aims to identify the main factors that affect consumer preferences and attitudes towards PBM, and to examine the effect of consumer attitudes including environmental awareness, health consciousness, and food neophobia on WTP. We use the double-bounded dichotomy choice (DBDC) method to calculate consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for PBM. We find that the appearance, taste, nutritional value, and environmental benefits of PBM significantly increase consumers' WTP for it. Consumers with high environmental awareness are more likely to perceive PBM as environmentally friendly and are willing to pay a higher price for it. Consumers with high health consciousness tend to value the environmental benefits of PBM and prioritize purchase convenience, as it aligns with their health-conscious lifestyle, leading to a higher WTP for PBM. The results of our study can help design effective strategies to market plant-based milk and develop sustainable and healthy food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfan Su
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China; (W.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Yu Yvette Zhang
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture (IHA) Affiliate Member, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Songhan Li
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China; (W.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Jiping Sheng
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China; (W.S.); (S.L.)
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Mansilla-Obando K, Llanos G, Gómez-Sotta E, Buchuk P, Ortiz F, Aguirre M, Ahumada F. Eco-Innovation in the Food Industry: Exploring Consumer Motivations in an Emerging Market. Foods 2023; 13:4. [PMID: 38201032 PMCID: PMC10778022 DOI: 10.3390/foods13010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The utilization of eco-innovative products has witnessed a surge in adoption, driven by their inherent capacity to address pressing environmental concerns. To comprehensively fathom the underlying motivations propelling consumers to embrace these products, we conducted an in-depth investigation employing "The Not Company" (Chile) as a compelling case study. We conducted qualitative interviews with a cohort of 20 Chilean consumers, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior theoretical framework. The research methodology harnessed the principles of thematic analysis, yielding insights that underscore the significance of key determinants in shaping consumers' choices towards eco-innovative products. Specifically, our findings highlighted that consumer choices in this domain are profoundly influenced by their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Moreover, within these overarching categories, we unearthed sub-themes illuminating the intricate influences guiding consumer choices. These sub-themes encompassed beliefs about food manufacturing and packaging, the persuasive impact of social media and advertising, and the indelible impressions left by prior encounters with eco-innovative products. This study highlights consumers' fundamental role in the broader eco-innovation landscape, particularly within the food industry context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Mansilla-Obando
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile; (G.L.); (E.G.-S.); (P.B.); (M.A.); (F.A.)
- Center of Economics and Sustainability, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Llanos
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile; (G.L.); (E.G.-S.); (P.B.); (M.A.); (F.A.)
- Center of Economics and Sustainability, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile
| | - Esteban Gómez-Sotta
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile; (G.L.); (E.G.-S.); (P.B.); (M.A.); (F.A.)
- Center of Economics and Sustainability, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile
- Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Universität Vechta, 49377 Vechta, Germany
| | - Paulo Buchuk
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile; (G.L.); (E.G.-S.); (P.B.); (M.A.); (F.A.)
- Center of Economics and Sustainability, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile
| | - Francisco Ortiz
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile; (G.L.); (E.G.-S.); (P.B.); (M.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Mario Aguirre
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile; (G.L.); (E.G.-S.); (P.B.); (M.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Fabian Ahumada
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago 7501015, Chile; (G.L.); (E.G.-S.); (P.B.); (M.A.); (F.A.)
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