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Segú H, Jalševac F, Sierra-Cruz M, Feliu F, Movassat J, Rodríguez-Gallego E, Terra X, Pinent M, Ardévol A, Blay MT. Assessing the impact of insect protein sources on intestinal health and disease: insights from human ex vivo and rat in vivo models. Food Funct 2024; 15:4552-4563. [PMID: 38584501 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo00381k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The exploration of edible insects, specifically Alphitobius diaperinus and Tenebrio molitor, as sustainable sources of protein for human consumption is an emerging field. However, research into their effects on intestinal health, especially in relation to inflammation and permeability, remains limited. Using ex vivo and in vivo models of intestinal health and disease, in this study we assess the impact of the above insects on intestinal function by focusing on inflammation, barrier dysfunction and morphological changes. Initially, human intestinal explants were exposed to in vitro-digested extracts of these insects, almond and beef. Immune secretome analysis showed that the inflammatory response to insect-treated samples was comparatively lower than it was for samples exposed to almond and beef. Animal studies using yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and buffalo (Alphitobius diaperinus) flours were then used to evaluate their safety in healthy rats and LPS-induced intestinal dysfunction rats. Chronic administration of these insect-derived flours showed no adverse effects on behavior, metabolism, intestinal morphology or immune response (such as inflammation or allergy markers) in healthy Wistar rats. Notably, in rats subjected to proinflammatory LPS-induced intestinal dysfunction, T. molitor consumption did not exacerbate symptoms, nor did it increase allergic responses. These findings validate the safety of these edible insects under healthy conditions, demonstrate their innocuity in a model of intestinal dysfunction, and underscore their promise as sustainable and nutritionally valuable dietary protein sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Segú
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Florijan Jalševac
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Marta Sierra-Cruz
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Francesc Feliu
- Servei de Gastroenterologia, Institut Sanitari Pere Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jamileh Movassat
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Esther Rodríguez-Gallego
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Ximena Terra
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Montserrat Pinent
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Anna Ardévol
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - M Teresa Blay
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel.lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
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Müller Richli M, Weinlaender F, Wallner M, Pöllinger-Zierler B, Kern J, Scheeder MRL. Effect of feeding Alphitobius diaperinus meal on fattening performance and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2023.2176311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Müller Richli
- SUISAG, Sempach, Switzerland
- School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, BFH-HAFL, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Zollikofen, Switzerland
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Zhang M, Zhu L, Wu G, Zhang H, Wang X, Qi X. The impacts and mechanisms of dietary proteins on glucose homeostasis and food intake: a pivotal role of gut hormones. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37800337 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2256400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Glucose and energy metabolism disorders are the main reasons induced type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Besides providing energy, dietary nutrients could regulate glucose homeostasis and food intake via intestinal nutrient sensing induced gut hormone secretion. However, reviews regarding intestinal protein sensing are very limited, and no accurate information is available on their underlying mechanisms. Through intestinal protein sensing, dietary proteins regulate glucose homeostasis and food intake by secreting gut hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide YY (PYY) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). After activating the sensory receptors, such as calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), peptide transporter-1 (PepT1), and taste 1 receptors (T1Rs), protein digests induced Ca2+ influx and thus triggered gut hormone release. Additionally, research models used to study intestinal protein sensing have been emphasized, especially several innovative models with excellent physiological relevance, such as co-culture cell models, intestinal organoids, and gut-on-a-chips. Lastly, protein-based dietary strategies that stimulate gut hormone secretion and inhibit gut hormone degradation are proposed for regulating glucose homeostasis and food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkai Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Gangcheng Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xingguo Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiguang Qi
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Lin X, Wang F, Lu Y, Wang J, Chen J, Yu Y, Tao X, Xiao Y, Peng Y. A review on edible insects in China: Nutritional supply, environmental benefits, and potential applications. Curr Res Food Sci 2023; 7:100596. [PMID: 37744556 PMCID: PMC10517268 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This review explored the potential of edible insects to address the challenges of malnutrition and food security. Although grain production in China has met the Food and Agriculture Organization standards, the shortage of protein supply is still a big issue. Moreover, expanding livestock farming is considered unsustainable and environmentally unfriendly. Edible insects have become an alternative with higher sustainable and ecological properties. There are 324 species of insects currently consumed in China, and they have high nutritional value, with a rich source of protein and unsaturated fatty acids. Insect farming provides numerous benefits, including green feeds for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture, sustainable organic waste management, as well as industrial and pharmaceutical raw materials. The food toxicological evaluations conducted in China indicated that edible insects are safe for general consumption by the Chinese, but allergies and other related food safety issues should not be ignored. Consumer acceptance is another barrier to overcome, with different schemas between China and Western countries. More research on the potential functions of edible insects and their product development may enhance their acceptance in China. Overall, incorporating edible insects into our diet is a promising solution to address challenges related to protein supply and food security. To ensure safety and sustainability, appropriate legislation, quality regulations, large-scale insect farms, and acceptable processing techniques are necessary. Moreover, more scientific research and social awareness are required to promote the culture and utilization of edible insects in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Feifan Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Yuting Lu
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Yingxin Yu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tao
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Ye Peng
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
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Luparelli AV, Miguéns-Gómez A, Ardévol A, Sforza S, Caligiani A, Pinent M. Inhibition of DPP-IV Activity and Stimulation of GLP-1 Release by Gastrointestinally Digested Black Soldier Fly Prepupae. Foods 2023; 12:foods12102027. [PMID: 37238845 DOI: 10.3390/foods12102027] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effects of an insect-based diet on human health and, in particular, the regulatory ability of digested insects' proteins on the glycaemic response in humans are topics that need to be investigated deeper. In this work, we performed an in vitro study on the modulatory activity of gastrointestinal digested black soldier fly (BSF) prepupae on the enterohormone GLP-1 and its natural inhibitor, DPP-IV. We verified whether actions intended to valorise the starting insect biomass, i.e., insect-optimised growth substrates and prior fermentation, can positively impact human health. Our results highlight that the digested BSF proteins from all the prepupae samples had a high stimulatory and inhibitory ability on the GLP-1 secretion and the DPP-IV enzyme in the human GLUTag cell line. Gastrointestinal digestion significantly improved the DPP-IV inhibitory capacity of the whole insect protein. Moreover, it was seen that optimised diets or fermentation processes preceding the digestion, in any case, did not positively affect the efficacy of the answer. BSF was already considered one of the edible insects more suitable for human consumption for its optimal nutritional profile. The BSF bioactivity here shown, after simulated digestion, on glycaemic control systems makes this species even more promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Valentina Luparelli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 49/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alba Miguéns-Gómez
- MoBioFood Research Group, Department de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo n 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Anna Ardévol
- MoBioFood Research Group, Department de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo n 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Stefano Sforza
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 49/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Augusta Caligiani
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 49/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Montserrat Pinent
- MoBioFood Research Group, Department de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo n 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
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Miguéns‐Gómez A, Sierra‐Cruz M, Segú H, Beltrán‐Debón R, Rodríguez‐Gallego E, Terra X, Blay MT, Pérez‐Vendrell AM, Pinent M, Ardévol A. Administration of Alphitobius diaperinus or Tenebrio molitor before meals transiently increases food intake through enterohormone regulation in female rats. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2023; 103:1660-1667. [PMID: 36324158 PMCID: PMC10099498 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been previously shown that acutely administered insect Alphitobius diaperinus protein increases food intake in rats and modifies the ex vivo enterohormone secretory profile differently than beef or almond proteins. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether these effects could be maintained for a longer period and determine the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS We administered two different insect species to rats for 26 days and measured food intake at different time points. Both insect species increased food intake in the first week, but the effect was later lost. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and ghrelin were measured in plasma and ex vivo, and no chronic effects on their secretion or desensitization were found. Nevertheless, digested A. diaperinus acutely modified GLP-1 and ghrelin secretion ex vivo. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that increases in food intake could be explained by a local ghrelin reduction acting in the small intestine. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Miguéns‐Gómez
- Departament de Bioquímica i BiotecnologiaMoBioFood Research Group, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | - Marta Sierra‐Cruz
- Departament de Bioquímica i BiotecnologiaMoBioFood Research Group, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | - Helena Segú
- Departament de Bioquímica i BiotecnologiaMoBioFood Research Group, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | - Raúl Beltrán‐Debón
- Departament de Bioquímica i BiotecnologiaMoBioFood Research Group, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | - Esther Rodríguez‐Gallego
- Departament de Bioquímica i BiotecnologiaMoBioFood Research Group, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | - Ximena Terra
- Departament de Bioquímica i BiotecnologiaMoBioFood Research Group, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | - Maria Teresa Blay
- Departament de Bioquímica i BiotecnologiaMoBioFood Research Group, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | | | - Montserrat Pinent
- Departament de Bioquímica i BiotecnologiaMoBioFood Research Group, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | - Anna Ardévol
- Departament de Bioquímica i BiotecnologiaMoBioFood Research Group, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
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Accardo F, Miguéns-Gómez A, Lolli V, Faccini A, Ardévol A, Terra X, Caligiani A, Pinent M, Sforza S. Molecular composition of lipid and protein fraction of almond, beef and lesser mealworm after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion and correlation with the hormone-stimulating properties of the digesta. Food Res Int 2022; 158:111499. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Miguéns-Gómez A, Sierra-Cruz M, Rodríguez-Gallego E, Beltrán-Debón R, Blay MT, Terra X, Pinent M, Ardévol A. Effect of an Acute Insect Preload vs. an Almond Preload on Energy Intake, Subjective Food Consumption and Intestinal Health in Healthy Young Adults. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071463. [PMID: 35406076 PMCID: PMC9002463 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein is considered the most satiating macronutrient, and its effect on satiety and food intake is source-dependent. For the first time, we compared the effect of the administration of an insect or almond preload, both containing 20 g of protein, on appetite and food intake in human subjects. Participants consumed both foods and a vehicle as a liquid preload on three separate days. They were then offered a breakfast and lunch buffet meal at which food intake was measured. Visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires were completed following the three preloads to assess appetite and other sensations. At breakfast, reduced energy intake was observed for both preloads compared with vehicle. At lunch, food intake only differed in the insect group, which consumed more than the vehicle. Insect preload increased the total amount of protein ingested with a slight increase in total energy consumed, differently than almond, which significantly increased total protein and energy consumed. There was no correlation between indigestion-sensation ratings and food intake. Moreover, the insect preload resulted in lower sleepiness and tiredness ratings compared with the almond preload. Thus, insect-derived protein may be suitable as a safe ingredient for snacks intended for elderly or infirm patients who require increased protein intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Miguéns-Gómez
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Marta Sierra-Cruz
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Esther Rodríguez-Gallego
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Raúl Beltrán-Debón
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - M Teresa Blay
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ximena Terra
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Pinent
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-977559566
| | - Anna Ardévol
- MoBioFood Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, c/Marcel·lí Domingo nº1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (A.M.-G.); (M.S.-C.); (E.R.-G.); (R.B.-D.); (M.T.B.); (X.T.); (A.A.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
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How Healthy Are Non-Traditional Dietary Proteins? The Effect of Diverse Protein Foods on Biomarkers of Human Health. Foods 2022; 11:foods11040528. [PMID: 35206005 PMCID: PMC8871094 DOI: 10.3390/foods11040528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Future food security for healthy populations requires the development of safe, sustainably-produced protein foods to complement traditional dietary protein sources. To meet this need, a broad range of non-traditional protein foods are under active investigation. The aim of this review was to evaluate their potential effects on human health and to identify knowledge gaps, potential risks, and research opportunities. Non-traditional protein sources included are algae, cereals/grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, insects, mycoprotein, nuts, oil seeds, and legumes. Human, animal, and in vitro data suggest that non-traditional protein foods have compelling beneficial effects on human health, complementing traditional proteins (meat/poultry, soy, eggs, dairy). Improvements in cardiovascular health, lipid metabolism, muscle synthesis, and glycaemic control were the most frequently reported improvements in health-related endpoints. The mechanisms of benefit may arise from their diverse range of minerals, macro- and micronutrients, dietary fibre, and bioactive factors. Many were also reported to have anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antioxidant activity. Across all protein sources examined, there is a strong need for quality human data from randomized controlled intervention studies. Opportunity lies in further understanding the potential effects of non-traditional proteins on the gut microbiome, immunity, inflammatory conditions, DNA damage, cognition, and cellular ageing. Safety, sustainability, and evidence-based health research will be vital to the development of high-quality complementary protein foods that enhance human health at all life stages.
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