High Protein Content Research Articles

Ex Vivo, In Vitro and In Vivo Bone Health Properties of Grana Padano Cheese

Grana Padano (GP) is an Italian hard cooked cheese characterized by a long ripening process and high protein and Ca contents. After in vitro static simulated gastrointestinal digestion, GP digest contained caseinophosphopeptides that were 6 to 24 amino acids in length, including tri-phosphorylated species incorporating the pSer-pSer-pSer-Glu-Glu cluster. Using rat ileum tissue, the digest was used to assess Ca absorption ex vivo, which showed significantly better results for the GP digest in comparison to the CaCO3 aqueous solution. An in vitro intestinal model based on Caco-2/HT-29 cell co-culture was able to mimic Ca absorption from GP digest, with Ca-rich water as a control. The metabolite-containing medium was then used to treat osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. As a consequence, metabolized GP digest significantly increased the number of osteoblasts, whereas the metabolized water did not exert this effect. Finally, the mice were fed diets containing GP or CaCO3 and pea isolate and the in vivo outcomes were assessed through fluorescent probe and computed tomography. Mice fed a diet containing GP showed a higher increase in bone remodeling and volume in comparison to those fed a control diet containing CaCO3 and pea isolate. Overall, the ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo experiments highlighted the effectiveness of GP in improving Ca absorption, osteoblast proliferation and bone remodeling and volume.

Application of Neem and Moringa Seed Oil as Botanical Preservative for Cowpea (<em>Vigna Unguiculata</em> L. Walp)

Purpose: Cowpea, a valuable grain with high protein, carbohydrate, and vitamin content, faces significant post-harvest losses due to insufficient storage, pest infestations, and inefficient processing techniques. Thus, the efficacy of a combination of neem and moringa seed oils in a 1:3 ratio, serving as botanical insecticides, to control Callosobruchus maculatus infestation in five different cowpea varieties was evaluated.Research Method: The extracts were mixed at a ratio of 1:3 neem-moringa seed oils and applied mechanically to cowpea varieties in a concentration of 5.0. They were kept in plastic bowls measuring 17 cm deep by 24 cm wide, covered with muslin cloth for free-flow ventilation, and stored for 360 days.Findings: The result of the data collected at every 60 days showed that the seed extracts were effective in preserving all the cowpea varieties even at 360 days. The results indicate that certain cowpea varieties, such as Ife brown (IFB), were more prone to weevil attacks, while others, like Lobia brown (BGR), shown relatively lower susceptibility. The control samples exhibited a higher number of egg-laying and weevil populations compared to the treated samples.Value: The study revealed that the treatment successfully eradicated the weevil population and prevented new infestations.

Impact of Osmotic Stress on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Osmotic stress is one of the major constraints in the global production of economically important crops by adversely affecting their yield, quality and energy costs. Cicer arietinum L. commonly known as Chickpea is an important pulse crop worldwide due to its high protein content and agronomic significance. Chickpea is susceptible to osmotic stress and effects its productivity on a large scale. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of osmotic stress on seed germination and seedling growth. Methods: Osmotic stress was induced using three different concentrations of PEG-6000 (5%, 10% and 15%). Distilled water treatment was used as control. Percentage of seed germination, seedling growth, enzymatic activity of amylase and protease and protein content of chickpea was evaluated after a week. Result: Osmotic stress considerably affected seed germination as well as all other allied traits. Studies showed that increase in osmotic stress decreased the percentage of seed germination. Seeds treated with 5% PEG considerably improved the length of the plumule and radicle, fresh and dry weight when compared to control in Cicer arietinum. The enzymatic activity of protease increased with increasing osmotic gradients. Seeds treated with 15% PEG showed maximum protein content. This study contributes to current knowledge of the physiological responses of chickpea to osmotic stress and may assist in the development of strategies to enhance crop resilience and productivity under adverse environment conditions.

Effect of Planting Systems on the Physicochemical Properties and Bioactivities of Strawberry Polysaccharides

Suitable planting systems are critical for the physicochemical and bioactivities of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) polysaccharides (SPs). In this study, SPs were prepared through hot water extraction, and the differences in physicochemical characteristics and bioactivities between SPs derived from elevated matrix soilless planting strawberries (EP-SP) and those from and conventional soil planting strawberries (GP-SP) were investigated. A higher extraction yield was observed for EP-SP (5.88%) than for GP-SP (4.67%), and slightly higher values were measured for the average molecular weight (632.10 kDa vs. 611.88 kDa) and total sugar content (39.38% vs. 34.92%) in EP-SP. In contrast, a higher protein content (2.12% vs. 1.65%) and a more ordered molecular arrangement were exhibited by GP-SP. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that EP-SP contained higher levels of rhamnose (12.33%) and glucose (49.29%), whereas GP-SP was richer in galactose (11.06%) and galacturonic acid (19.12%). Thermal analysis indicated only minor differences in decomposition temperatures (approximately 225–226 °C) and thermal stability between the samples. However, GP-SP showed a higher enthalpy change (ΔHg = 18.74 J/g) compared to EP-SP (13.93 J/g). Biological activity assays revealed that GP-SP generally exerted stronger non-enzymatic glycation inhibition at both early and final stages (IC50: 7.47 mg/mL vs. 7.82 mg/mL and 11.18 mg/mL vs. 11.87 mg/mL, respectively), whereas EP-SP was more effective against intermediate α-dicarbonyl compounds (maximum inhibition of 75.32%). Additionally, GP-SP exerted superior α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 2.4583 mg/mL), in line with kinetic and fluorescence quenching analyses showing a higher enzyme–substrate complex binding affinity (Kis = 1.6682 mg/mL; Ka = 5.1352 × 105 M−1). Rheological measurements demonstrated that EP-SP solutions exhibited a pronounced increase in apparent viscosity at higher concentrations (reaching 3477.30 mPa·s at 0.1 s−1 and 70 mg/mL) and a stronger shear-thinning behavior, while GP-SP showed a comparatively lower viscosity and lower network order. These findings suggest that different planting systems significantly affect both the molecular structures and functionalities of SPs, with GP-SP demonstrating enhanced hypoglycemic and anti-glycation properties. It is therefore recommended that suitable planting systems be selected to optimize the functionality of plant-derived polysaccharides for potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Evaluating the Nutritive Value and Quality of Fodder Pea (Pisum arvense L.) Silage Added with Varying Rates of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Em Thell) Cracks

Silage represents the most effective solution for addressing the deficit in quality, abundance and cost-effectiveness of roughage. The main purpose of silage production is to store fresh herbage material with high nutritional value with minimum nutrient loss. For fodder and silage production, fodder pea is grown in mixtures with cereals in different ratios, but also for the silage from the pure fodder pea using additives. Molasses and crashed cereal grains or cereal can be added to silage material in order to increase its carbohydrate content. The research was conducted to determine nutritive value and silage quality of barley and wheat cracks added at different ratios to fodder pea silage in complete randomized split-plot design with four replications. 100 g withered fodder pea sample without additives and 100 g withered fodder pea sample with 3 g, 6 g, 9 g and 12 g cracked barley were vacuumed in to the 20x26 cm plastic bags and were stored in a dark environment for a period of 45 days to facilitate fermentation at ambient temperatures ranging from 15 to 28°C. Crude protein (%), crude ash (%), dry matter (%), digestible dry matter (DDM, %), dry matter intake (DMI, %), ADF (%), NDF (%), P (%), K (%), Ca (%), Mg (%), total digestible nutrients (TDN), Nel, NEm, Neg, pH, Fleig Score and RFV of pure fodder pea and cracked barley and wheat added silages were determined. According to results, fodder peas, which have a high protein and low carbohydrate content, be ensiled by the addition of high-carbohydrate wheat and barley cracks in order to obtain a quality silage. For this purpose, it is suggested to add at least 6% wheat cracks or 9% barley cracks to fodder pea silage.

Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Key Differences Between Yak, Buffalo, and Cow Colostrum Based on UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS

Background: Colostrum, abundant in immunoglobulins and growth factors, plays a vital role in supporting immunity. Both yak and buffalo milk are characterized by their high protein and fat content. However, the metabolomic profiles of yak colostrum (YC), buffalo colostrum (BC), and bovine colostrum (CC) remain largely unexplored. The objective of this study is to identify unique metabolites that may impact the nutritional value of colostrum. Methods: This study employed ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) for untargeted metabolomics analysis of YC, BC, and CC. Results: The analysis revealed 97, 70, and 75 differentially expressed metabolites in the YC-CC, BC-CC, and YC-BC comparisons, respectively. In comparison to CC, both YC and BC shared common features, including reduced choline levels and elevated O-acetylcarnitine. Moreover, metabolites such as 2-hydroxy-6-pentadecylbenzoic acid, DL-glycerol-1-phosphate, thiamine, L-carnitine, methyl β-D-galactoside, and uridine diphosphate (UDP) were identified as potential biomarkers for YC, while 21-deoxycortisol, D-synephrine, uridine, mannitol-1-phosphate, nonadecanoic acid, and perillic acid were specific to BC. Conclusions: YC has greater advantages in energy supply, antioxidant activity, immune regulation, and cell homeostasis, and BC holds unique significance in physical development and energy balance regulation. These findings provide valuable insights, enabling the selection of unique bioactive metabolites to develop targeted functional foods from colostrum, catering to diverse nutritional needs.

Evaluation of genotypic variations in the protein content of soybean through near infrared spectroscopy

Demand for soybean seeds with increased protein content is high in the international market. In this context, breeding soybean varieties targeting high protein content is the need of the day. In this paper, elite soybean germplasm accessions were screened for protein content. Eighty-eight soybean germplasm was evaluated for protein content through near infrared spectroscopy. A prediction model to determine the protein content of soybean germplasm through a non-destructive method was developed to calibrate the NIR. The protein content of 39 lines was analyzed in wet lab conditions and used to calibrate in NIRs between 1400 and 2400 nm at 2 nm intervals. High determination coefficient and low values of root mean square error (2.585) and standard error of prediction (2.832) confirmed the model’s utility for predicting the protein content of unknown samples. Accordingly, the protein content of 49 germplasm lines revealed that the genotypes LU96, TNAU20056, and SL525 depicted high values of 56.66, 55.51, and 54.48% protein content, respectively, but with fewer yields. The genotype RKS45 recorded a protein content of 45.33% with a single plant yield of 34.09 g, which can be further utilized for hybridization and selection. Thus, a non-significant correlation was observed between the protein content and single plant yield, suggesting that an increase in protein content will not directly influence the yield parameters. This paper provides a simple methodology to accurately determine the protein in a large set of samples in a short time, which helps in speed breeding programs.

GWAS Identifies SNP Markers and Candidate Genes for Off-Flavours and Protein Content in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a valuable ingredient in plant-based foods such as meat and dairy analogues. However, its typical taste and aroma are considered off-flavours in these food applications, representing a bottleneck during processing. Breeding is needed to develop varieties with minimal off-flavours and high protein content. The genetic regulation of these traits is underexplored. To dissect their genetic architecture, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 245 faba bean accessions (the CGN population) were genotyped using the 90K-SPET targeted assay. These accessions were phenotyped in 2021 and 2022 in the Netherlands for protein, oil, fatty acids, lipid-derived products, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins. The CGN population showed large phenotypic variation and moderate-to-high narrow-sense heritability for most traits. The growing environment significantly affected all traits, with trait-specific genotype-by-year (GxY) interactions. Condensed tannins and fatty acids were the most stable across the two years and had the highest heritability estimates (h2 > 0.6). GWAS identified a total of 148 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) loci in 2021 and 167 in 2022. Key candidate regulators included genes involved in lipid biosynthesis (ATS2, KAS, LPP), amino acid transport (CAT4) for protein storage, zero tannins locus-1 (zt-1), and regulators of the phenylpropanoid pathway, such as a shikimate kinase gene and transcription factors bHLH137-like and MYB. These results pave the way for validation studies and biotechnological applications to improve the quality of faba bean-based foods.

Pseudo-Phosphorylated Tau Forms Paired Helical Filaments in the Presence of High-Curvature Cholesterol-Containing Lipid Membranes.

The tau protein misfolds in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). These pathological tau aggregates are associated with neuronal membranes, but molecular structural information about how disease-like tau fibrils interact with the lipid membrane is scarce. Here, we use solid-state NMR to investigate the structure of a tau construct bearing four AD-relevant phospho-mimetic mutations (4E tau) with cholesterol-containing high-curvature lipid membranes, which mimic the membrane of synaptic vesicles in neurons. We show that 4E tau adopts the AD paired helical filament (PHF) fold in the presence of the membrane at high protein concentrations. Moreover, it inserts into the membrane-water interface with an orientation that suggests possible bridging of multiple lipid vesicles. At lower protein concentrations, moderate chemical shift changes are observed, indicating a perturbation of the PHF structure by the lipids. Removal of the phospho-mimetic mutations led to a qualitatively different β-sheet conformation. These results indicate that posttranslational modifications impact the tau fibril structure more strongly than lipid membranes, but the membrane modulates the conformational equilibria of the aggregates.

Seasonal and Altitudinal Effects on Chemical Composition and Rumen Degradability of Blackberry Leaves in Northwestern Italian Alps.

The blackberry poses a threat as an invasive plant in various regions worldwide, where it aggressively competes with native species and risks delicate ecosystems. Livestock grazing has emerged as a potential strategy to mitigate its spread. This study investigated the effects of seasonal variations and altitude on the chemical composition and in vitro degradability of blackberry leaves. The leaves accessible to goats were collected in the Northwestern Italian Alps across all seasons at three altitudes (low: 450 m, medium: 700 m, high: 1000 m). The findings indicated that blackberry leaves can serve as a cost-effective, high-protein, and high-fiber feed for ruminants in these regions. However, the goats exhibited a limited capacity for fiber degradation. Furthermore, the nutritional value of these leaves was significantly influenced by the season, altitude, and their interaction. Spring leaves had the highest protein content (241.9 g/kg dry matter) and the best digestibility, with lower lignin levels (69 g/kg dry matter). At higher altitudes, lignin content decreased significantly during winter compared to the other seasons, resulting in a significant increase in fiber degradability. These insights offer crucial guidance for optimizing the utilization of the blackberry plant in goat feeding systems and underscores the necessity of considering both seasonal and altitudinal factors in grazing management practices.

In Vitro Investigation of the Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Activity of Peptides Derived From Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) Bran.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common and highly aggressive tumor in the world. Although immunotherapy, surgical resection, targeted therapy and HCC transplantation could improve the prognosis for HCC patients, the tumor recurrence rate of the tumor remains high due to its insidious and invasive nature. Therefore, the development of new HCC therapeutic agents has become particularly important. Quinoa is abundant in bioactive peptides, proteins, and other functional ingredients that confer various health benefits to humans. Quinoa bran, the outer seed coat of quinoa, like quinoa, has extremely high nutritional value and rich protein content. This study firstly found that hydrolysate from quinoa bran protein (QBPP) exhibited targeting anti-HCC effect on the proliferation of HepG2 and Bel-7402 HCC cells in a concentration dependent manner, without significant toxic side effects on normal human liver cells L02. Further, QBPP exerted anti-HCC effect through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and inhibition of HCC cells migration. Collectively, QBPP shows potential as a next-generation dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of HCC.

Unlocking Consumer Preferences: Sensory Descriptors Driving Greek Yogurt Acceptance and Innovation.

Greek yogurt, a traditional food with roots in Ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, and Central Asia, has become a dietary staple worldwide due to its creamy texture, distinct flavor, and rich nutritional profile. The contemporary emphasis on health and wellness has elevated Greek yogurt as a functional food, recognized for its high protein content and bioavailable probiotics that support overall health. This study investigates the sensory attributes evaluated by a panel of 22 trained assessors and the consumer preferences driving the acceptance of Greek yogurt formulations. Samples with higher consumer acceptance were characterized by sensory attributes such as "high texture in the mouth, surface uniformity, creaminess, apparent homogeneity, mouth-filling, grip in the mouth, ease of pick-up with a spoon, milk cream flavor, sweetness, and dairy flavor" (Tukey's test, p < 0.05). These attributes strongly correlated with consumer preferences, underscoring their importance in product optimization. The findings provide a framework for refining Greek yogurt formulations to address diverse market demands, achieving a balance between sensory excellence and practical formulation strategies. This research reinforces the significance of Greek yogurt as a culturally adaptable, health-promoting dietary component and a promising market segment for ongoing innovation.

Building a Healthy Generation by Making Mackerel Fish Nuggets and Anti-Stunting Mading

The problem of stunting is still a big challenge in efforts to improve children's health in Indonesia, especially in rural areas. This program aims to increase awareness of the people of Sigam Village, Kotabaru Regency, regarding the importance of balanced nutrition to prevent stunting in toddlers and support the health of pregnant women. Two main approaches are carried out in this program: (1) making educational magazines displaying information about healthy eating patterns and the impact of stunting, and (2) making and distributing mackerel fish nuggets as a nutritious food alternative for toddlers and pregnant women. Antistunting posters were installed at the Sigam Village Kindergarten so that they can be easily accessed by parents and caregivers, with the hope of increasing their understanding of nutrition and examples of balanced menus that can be applied in everyday life. The mackerel fish nuggets distributed are made from local ingredients with high protein and omega-3 content which are useful for supporting children's growth and the health of pregnant women. Program evaluation shows a positive response from the community, who feel helped in understanding the importance of nutritional intake and choosing affordable nutritious food. This program has succeeded in increasing public awareness and understanding of the importance of nutrition to prevent stunting, as well as providing practical nutritious food solutions that children like. It is hoped that this activity can continue to be implemented and involve more parties to create a generation that is healthy and free from the risk of stunting.

Edible Mushrooms: a Nutrient-Rich Ingredient for Healthier Food Products - A Review.

Edible mushrooms are found to be foods with high nutritional content, which have been shown to be more widely used ingredients in cooking in traditional dishes. This article explores the rising trend in the use of edible mushrooms in new formulations of functional foods, taking advantage of their properties and benefits in human health. The use of mushrooms as an ingredient in new or modified food formulations is driven by solid evidence of their nutritional content and bioactivity. Mushrooms stand out for their high biological value and high bioavailability protein content, as well as dietary fiber that promotes improved digestive health. Other micronutrients present are B vitamins and minerals such as selenium, phosphorus and potassium. Mushroom flour has been the prevalent mode of addition to food formulations. This type of format aims to preserve and concentrate the nutritional content of mushrooms and has achieved nutritional enrichment of products. The use of this food has also been explored to improve technological qualities in food development, so it is intended to position itself as a natural additive. This review synthesizes data on the nutritional composition, bioactive properties, and physicochemical attributes of mushrooms, emphasizing their multifaceted contributions to modern food formulations. It advocates for further research to optimize mushroom application in diverse food products and to address practical challenges for seamless integration.

Mleko od leblebije: nutritivni profil, funkcionalne karakteristike, bioaktivna jedinjenja i poboljšanje kvaliteta - sveobuhvatan pregled

The prevalence of cow's milk allergies and lactose intolerance has been growing alongside the evolution of bovine milk consumption and production; consequently, the itching need for an alternative has been the subject of many studies and a growing trend in the milk industry. Plant-based milks have emerged as the most popular and suitable substitutes; they are beverages extracted from cereals, pseudo-cereals, legumes, nuts or seeds. Legumes, due to their high protein content have proven to be one of the successful options. One such legume is chickpea, which not only boasts rich protein content but also contains minerals, fibers, unsaturated fatty acids, bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. Despite the limited studies available regarding the development of chickpea-based milk alternatives, this review draws upon insights from existing studies that have explored chickpea milk. It covers a range of topics, including the nutritional composition compared to other plant-based substitutes, the health benefits associated with bioactive and functional compounds, and the most novel methods employed in the extraction of non-dairy beverages.

Intestinal mucosal morphology and microbial flora population in Arianstrain broilers fed with Spirulina platensis supplemented drinking water

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of different levels of Spirulina platensis supplementation on the mucosal morphology of the intestine of broiler chickens. Spirulina, a single-celled algae, has been recently categorized as a filamentous, gram-negative Cyanobacterium, which offers significant benefits in broiler nutrition by improving growth performance through its high protein content, enhancing immune function, boosting feed conversion efficiency, and supporting gut health. A total of 375 one-day-old male Arian broilers were included in a 6-week trial. The chicks were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, each with five replicates of 15 birds, received different concentrations of Spirulina in their drinking water: Group A (5 g/L), Group B (2.5 g/L), and Group C (1 g/L), while the control groups received either no additive or an antibiotic (Fosbac Biotic®). This study examined the effects of dietary Spirulina platensis supplementation on cecal, the height of intestinal villi, and the depth of crypts in Arian strain broiler chickens examined. The results indicated Spirulina increased villus height, reduced crypt depth, and improved the villus-to-crypt ratio in the duodenum jejunum and ileum, suggesting enhanced nutrient absorption. Moreover, Spirulina supplementation increased beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli) and reduced harmful bacteria (coliforms), improving overall gut health and reducing digestive problems. Further research is advised to explore the economic benefits of using Spirulina in the poultry industry.

Aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) and Malva (Herissantia crispa) have forage potential for ruminant nutrition in arid regions.

The Caatinga biome has a wide variety of plants which, despite their irregular distribution, are frequently used to feed animals. This study aimed to evaluate the gas production kinetics of Caatinga plants: Malva (Herissantia crispa), Aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva), Marmeleiro (Croton sonderianus), and Bamburral (Hyptis suaveolens). Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), a cultivated forage, was used as a control. For this evaluation, samples of Aroeira, Malva, Marmeleiro, Bamburral, and Buffel grass were weighed and then incubated in 100ml flasks containing rumen fluid and buffer solution at 39°C in a water bath. The volume of gases produced was measured with graduated syringes at various times. The parameters of in vitro degradation kinetics were estimated from cumulative gas production using the NLMIXED procedure of SAS (Statistical Analysis System, Cary, USA). Buffel grass showed higher gas production than the other samples (77.64ml), followed by the Caatinga samples, Malva and Aroeira (58.16ml and 54.05ml, respectively), which were statistically similar. In conclusion, we suggest that Malva and Aroeira are forage plants with promising potential to improve the nutrition of ruminants in arid regions, given their high protein content, moderate fiber content, and characteristics related to gas production identified with the in vitro digestibility test.

UTILIZATION OF DURIAN SEEDS (Durio zibethinus Murr) AND SOYBEAN MIXTURES AS AN ALTERNATIVE SUBSTRATE FOR TEMPE PRODUCTION WITH Rhizopus oligosporus

Durian seeds, a common waste product, pose environmental hazards when discarded improperly, necessitating innovative processing methods to repurpose them into value-added products. This study explores the use of durian seeds as an alternative substrate for tempe production employing the fungus Rhizopus oligosporus. Tempe was produced using varying mass ratios of durian seeds to soybeans (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1), with Rhizopus sp. and fermentation times ranging from 18 to 54 hours. The quality assessment involved organoleptic testing, protein content analysis, antioxidant activity measurement, and total isoflavone content evaluation. Results indicated that panelists favored tempe with a durian seed-to-soybean ratio of 1:2 and an inoculum mass of 3 grams, yielding an average organoleptic score of 3.7. The highest protein content (18.85%) was obtained in tempe with a 2:1 mass ratio and 5 grams of inoculum. Maximum antioxidant content (74.61%) was observed in the 2:1 mass ratio with 3 grams of inoculum. The optimal condition for isoflavone content (0.070%) was achieved with a fermentation time of 54 hours.

Structural and functional properties of fava bean albumin, globulin and glutelin protein fractions.

This study reports a comparative evaluation of the physicochemical and functional properties of fava bean albumin, globulin and glutelin proteins. The fava bean globulins had significantly (p<0.05) higher protein content (88.49%) than the albumin (83.47%) and glutelin (86.71%). Far-UV circular dichroism results indicate low contents of α-helix, but high levels of unordered and β-sheet structures in the albumin and globulin. Higher surface hydrophobicity of the globulins was directly related to formation of oil-in-water emulsions with smaller oil droplet sizes, and better foaming capacity than the albumin and glutelin. The albumin had a broad range (32-92%) of protein solubility that covers acidic and alkaline pH while glutelin exhibited significantly higher in vitro protein digestibility (77.33%) when compared to the 75.34 and 71.73% for globulin and albumin, respectively. We conclude that each fava bean protein fraction may find specific uses as ingredients for the formulation of various food products.

Effects of higher dietary acid load: a narrative review with special emphasis in children.

Metabolic effects of high diet acid load (DAL) have been studied for years in adults, although only recently in children. Contemporary diets, especially those of Western societies, owe their acidogenic effect to high animal-origin protein content and low contribution of base-forming elements, such as fruits and vegetables. This imbalance, where dietary acid precursors exceed the body's buffering capacity, results in an acid-retaining state known by terms such as "eubicarbonatemic metabolic acidosis," "low-grade metabolic acidosis," "subclinical acidosis," or "acid stress". Its consequences have been linked to chronic systemic inflammation, contributing to various noncommunicable diseases traditionally considered more common in adulthood, but now have been recognized to originate at much earlier ages. In children, effects of high DAL are not limited to growth impairment caused by alterations of bone and muscle metabolism, but also represent a risk factor for conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, urolithiasis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The possibility that high DAL may be a cause of chronic acid-retaining states in children with growth impairment should alert pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists, since its causes have been attributed traditionally to inborn errors of metabolism and renal pathologies such as CKD and renal tubular acidosis. The interplay between DAL, overall diet quality, and its cascading effects on children's health necessitates comprehensive nutritional assessments and interventions. This narrative review explores the clinical relevance of diet-induced acid retention in children and highlights the potential for prevention through dietary modifications, particularly by increasing fruit and vegetable intake alongside appropriate protein consumption.