Wheat Bread Supplemented with Agaricus bisporus Powder: Effect on Bioactive Substances Content and Technological Quality

Supplementation of food products with mushroom powder increases their health-promoting value, but at the same time affects technological quality, which often play a key role for consumers. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of adding freeze-dried white and brown button mushrooms (2.5% and 5%) to wheat bread on its health-promoting properties such as antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), total polyphenols and vitamin D₂ content and as well as the technological quality as colour and texture. The breads were supplemented with mushroom lyophilisates, which were exposed to UVB radiation in order to increase their vitamin D₂ content. The content of total polyphenols and antioxidant properties were determined spectrophotometrically, and the content of vitamin D₂ by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole spectrometer (UHPLC/MS/MS analysis). Colour parameters were determined in the CIE-Lab system and texture profile analysis (TPA) and sensory evaluation of the baked products were performed. The addition of dried mushrooms significantly increased the content of bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, vitamin D₂) and the antioxidant properties of bread. A small addition of mushrooms caused a significant change in the basic technological quality of breads (colour parameters, specific volume, hardness, cohesiveness, springiness). At the same time, supplementation with mushroom lyophilisates has a positive effect on most analysed attributes in the nine-point hedonic scale. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that mushroom lyophilisates can be a valuable raw material for the fortification of bread, which is a good matrix and carrier of substances with documented biological activities.

Safety of vitamin D2 mushroom powder as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (NF 2019/1471)

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on vitamin D₂ mushroom powder as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is produced from Agaricus bisporus mushroom that has been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to induce the conversion of provitamin D₂ (ergosterol) to vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol). The NF contains levels of vitamin D in the form of vitamin D₂ in the range of 125-375 µg/g. The information provided on the production process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF as an ingredient in a variety of foods and beverages in amounts that result in either 1.125 or 2.25 µg vitamin D₂ per 100 g or 100 mL of the food as consumed. The applicant also intends to add the NF in food supplements, for infants from 7 to 11 months at a maximum of 10 µg vitamin D₂/day and of 15 µg vitamin D₂/day for individuals aged 1 year or older, as well as in foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) and total and meal diet replacement for weight control. For the adult population, the maximum intended use level in FSMPs is 15 µg vitamin D₂/day and 5 µg vitamin D₂/meal in total and meal diet replacement for weight control. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use. The Panel notes uncertainty regarding the calculated combined exposures to vitamin D for the general population, given the fact that the range of foods fortified with vitamin D has increased over the years, as well as the marketing of high-dose vitamin D supplements.

Effects of UV-B Radiation Levels on Concentrations of Phytosterols, Ergothioneine, and Polyphenolic Compounds in Mushroom Powders Used As Dietary Supplements

Compositional changes of powder dietary supplements made from mushrooms exposed to different levels of UV-B irradiation were evaluated for the bioactive naturally occurring mushroom antioxidant, ergothioneine; other natural polyphenolic compounds, e.g., flavonoids, lignans, etc.; and selected phytosterols. Four types of mushroom powder consisting of white, brown (Agaricus bisporus), oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus), and shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms from three different treatment groups (control, low and high UV-B exposures) were evaluated. Ergothioneine concentrations found in mushroom powders were 0.4-10.4 mg/g dry weight (dw) and were not appreciably affected by UV-B radiation. No individual polyphenols were detected above 0.1 μg/g. Phytosterols ergosterol (2.4-6.2 mg/g dw) and campesterol (14-43 μg/g dw) were measured in mushroom powder samples. Ergosterol concentrations decreased significantly with the increased level of UV-B treatment for all mushroom powder types, except for white. These results provide some new information on effects of UV-B radiation on these important natural bioactive compounds in mushrooms.