Meal Replacement Research Articles

Effect of ultrasonic vacuum drying on the structural characteristics of whole-egg protein powder

This study investigated the effect of single- and dual-frequency ultrasonic vacuum drying on protein structure, endogenous fluorescence spectrum, surface hydrophobicity, sulfhydryl group content, emulsification, and emulsification stability of whole-egg powder. Experiments were carried out using the infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and ammonium salt of 8-phenylamino-1-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) fluorescent probe methods. The ultrasonic treatment changed the secondary structure of proteins in whole-egg powder, increasing the content of α-helix, random curl, and β-rotation structures, and decreasing β-folding content. Ultrasonic treatment promoted the gradual transformation of the disulfide bond conformation of the sample from the twist-twist-twist conformation to the twist-twist-trans. Tyrosine and tryptophan residues in the samples were exposed, and the intensity ratio of the Fermi resonance spectra of tryptophan (I1363/I1338) in the single-frequency treatment, dual-frequency treatment, and the control group was significantly different (P <0.05). The fluorescence intensity of the whole-egg powder samples treated with single and dual-frequency ultrasound was significantly reduced, and surface hydrophobicity and emulsification were significantly improved after ultrasonication, compared with that of the control group. However, the emulsification stability and sulfhydryl content were decreased. This research will be valuable to optimize whole-egg protein production and broaden its applications.

Building Muscles from Eating Insects

Research and market data have shown a growing demand for sports supplements and increasing consumers’ awareness regarding their health and environmental attributes. An extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework was tested to explain insect-based protein bars and powder consumption among 256 Brazilians who are gym users and consume conventional sports supplements and results were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Perceived risk outperformed attitude as a predictor, diminishing the intention to consume insect-based sports supplements. Health proved to be the most important explanatory factor of attitude, while sustainability resulted in a smaller effect and taste impact was not significant. Whereas media was significant and a relatively strong predictor of the subjective norm, experts were not. Media content, such as social media, receives more attention and the information that gym users value is not predominantly provided by health professionals in the case of muscle-building products. Policymakers, marketing professionals, consumer psychology and product development can also benefit from the results to provide clear and accessible information about supplements across all sporting communities to reduce risk perception and increase acceptance.

Effect of Miscellaneous Meal Replacements for Soybean Meal on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Gut Microbiota of 50-75 kg Growing Pigs.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of miscellaneous meal (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as a replacement for soybean meal on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, serum free amino acid contents, and gut microbiota of 50-75 kg growing pigs. A total of 54 healthy growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with initial body weights (BWs) of 50.64 ± 2.09 kg were randomly divided into three treatment groups, which included the corn-soybean meal group (CON), corn-soybean-miscellaneous meal group (CSM), and corn-miscellaneous meal group (CM). Each treatment included six replicates with three pigs in each replicate. Dietary protein levels were maintained at 15% in all three treatment groups. Additional rapeseed meals, cottonseed meals, and sunflower seed meals were added to the CSM group's meals to partially replace the 10.99% soybean meal in the CON group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Pigs in the CM group were fed a diet with a mixture of miscellaneous meals (7.69% rapeseed meal, 7.69% cottonseed meal, and 7.68% sunflower seed meal) to totally replace soybean meal. Our findings revealed that there was no significant impact of replacing soybean meal with miscellaneous meal on the ADG (average daily gain), ADFI (average daily feed intake), or F/G (feed-to-gain ratio) (p > 0.05) of growing pigs weighing 50-75 kg, nor on the crude protein, crude fat, or gross energy (p > 0.05) of the diet. On the other hand, compared to the CON group, the CM group exhibited significantly elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and triglyceride (TG) levels (p < 0.05), while urea levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). No significant effect was observed on the serum free amino acid contents (p > 0.05) following the substitution of soybean meal with miscellaneous meal. A t-test analysis indicated that compared with the CON group, the CM group exhibited a significantly diminished abundance of Euryachaeota at the phylum level and augmented abundance of Desulfobacterota at the genus level. This study demonstrated that the miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as a substitute for soybean meal in the diet had no significant negative effects on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum amino acid content, or diversity of fecal microbiota in 50-75 kg growing pigs. These results can be helpful in developing further miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as functional alternative feed ingredients to soybean meal in pig diets.

Short-Term Effects of Weight-Loss Meal Replacement Programs with Various Macronutrient Distributions on Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Parameters: A Pilot Study.

It has emerged the gut microbiome is crucially linked to metabolic health and obesity. Macronutrient distribution has been discussed as a key parameter in weight-loss programs, but little is known about its impact on the gut microbiome. We investigated the effects of weight-loss meal replacement programs with different macronutrient ratios on the gut microbiota and metabolic parameters in subjects with overweight and obesity. Three low-calorie meal replacement programs with different ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids were designed: a balanced diet (Group B, 60:15:30), a high-lipid-low-carbohydrate diet (Group F, 35:20:55), and a protein-enriched diet (Group P, 40:25:35). Sixty overweight or obese participants were provided with the meals twice daily for 3 weeks. In all groups, diet intervention resulted in reduced body weight and BMI. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla decreased and increased, respectively, which increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in all subjects, particularly in Groups B and P. Alpha- and beta-diversity were augmented at the phylum level in Group P. In conclusion, short-term interventions with weight-loss meal replacement programs increased butyrate-producing bacteria and the F/B ratio. Moreover, the protein-enriched diet significantly increased alpha- and beta-diversity compared to the balanced diet and the high-lipid-low-carbohydrate diet.

PROMISE: effect of protein supplementation on fat-free mass preservation after bariatric surgery, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

IntroductionProtein malnutrition after bariatric surgery is a severe complication and leads to significant morbidity. Previous studies have shown that protein intake and physical activity are the most important factors in the preservation of fat-free mass during weight loss. Low protein intake is very common in patients undergoing bariatric surgery despite dietary counseling. Protein powder supplements might help patients to achieve the protein intake recommendations after bariatric surgery and could therefore contribute to preserve fat-free mass. This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled intervention study aims to assess the effect of a daily consumed clear protein powder shake during the first 6 months after bariatric surgery on fat-free mass loss in the first 12 months after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).Methods and analysisInclusion will take place at the outpatient clinic of the bariatric expertise center for obesity of the Maasstad Hospital. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group before surgery. The intervention group will receive a clear protein powder shake of 200 ml containing 20 g of whey protein dissolved in water which should be taken daily during the first 6 months after LRYGB on top of their normal postoperative diet. The control group will receive an isocaloric, clear, placebo shake containing maltodextrine. Postoperative rehabilitation and physiotherapeutical guidance will be standardized and similar in both groups. Also, both groups will receive the same dietary advice from specialized dieticians. The main study parameter is the percentage of fat-free mass loss 6 months after surgery, assessed by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA).Ethics and disseminationThe protocol, version 2 (February 20, 2022) has been approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committees United (MEC-U) (NL 80414.100.22). The results of this study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05570474. Registered on October 5, 2022.

Abstract 18229: The Effectiveness of a Student-Delivered Weight Loss Program in a High-Risk Urban Practice

Introduction: Obesity is a global epidemic contributing to CVD, the leading cause of death worldwide. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle are crucial to CVD prevention and treatment. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is a 13-component dietary analysis tool based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, with higher scores associated with lower CVD risk. Calculating the HEI involves a 24-hour food recall and complex scoring. The Diet Risk Score (DRS), a 9-question, efficient alternative screening tool, has been validated against the HEI. JeffWLP, a unique low-cost, long-term student-delivered nutrition education program, evaluates improvement in DRS. Hypothesis: JeffWLP participants in JeffWLP would demonstrate significant weight loss, increased physical activity, and improved DRS in urban at-risk patients. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 30 obese adults from an underserved urban population were randomized to intervention (n=18) or control/usual care (n=12) groups. Mean age was 46 +/- 13 years. 80% were African American, and 90% were female; mean baseline BMI was 38 +/- 5. Mean socioeconomic status, self-assessed using the MacArthur Scale, was 6 (maximum 10). JeffWLP includes 12 core weekly group and individual nutrition education counseling sessions, meal replacements, and an exercise component, followed by unlimited bimonthly maintenance counseling. Vitals were obtained pre, mid, and post-core intervention. Results: JeffWLP participants achieved mean weight loss of 6.1 +/- 7.8 lbs (p=0.01), or 2.7 +/- 3.3% body weight (p &lt; 0.01) in 12 weeks. Mean DRS improved by 7 +/- 6 points (p &lt;0.001). Number of weekend steps walked increased by 3500 +/- 3150 (p = 0.016). Pilot JeffWLP patients (n=7), sustained weight loss of 4.8 +/- 8.1 lbs, 285 days after enrollment (p = 0.17). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of JeffWLP for improving weight loss, exercise, and dietary risk in 12 weeks. We anticipate additional sustained improvements in this ongoing study with double the sample size; this additional data will be available at the AHA meeting. JeffWLP empowers medical students to improve health outcomes in disadvantaged, at-risk underserved populations affordably, addressing critical health disparities.

PSVIII-14 Improved Palatability and Digestibility in Dry Dog Food Using a Porcine Intestinal Mucosa Hydrolysate

Abstract A proper diet for a dog is one that provides all the required nutrients and is highly digestible. In order for the ingredients to be delivered to the organism, this diet should be highly palatable. Currently, research is being conducted on the possibility of introducing new sources of animal protein, thus replacing traditional meat meals. A new source of protein, together with increasing the digestibility and palatability of dry pet food while maintaining the price of the recipe, is an expected success. Porcine intestinal mucosa hydrolysate (PIMH) products are high-quality, sustainable, and inexpensive protein sources obtained from porcine intestinal mucosa as byproduct of the heparin manufacturing process. PIMH are being used as alternative protein sources in several animal species. The present study aimed to determine the effects of incorporating 3% PIMH (Palbio HP, Bioiberica SAU, Palafolls, Spain) as replacement for poultry meal on digestibility and palatability of dog dry food. The palatability test was conducted on a professional, independent panel of dogs. The test lasted 4 days with 20 adult dogs. Apparent digestibility and feces quality were also assessed in a digestibility test under the supervision of veterinarians in a 10-day experiment. The tested diets which serve as reference of a commercial dry dog food (Control diet) and a diet in which 3% PIMH was incorporated as replacement for poultry meal (PIMH diet). Palatability evaluation was performed in a two-pan setting in which first choice and consumption ratio were quantified and compared over four days. A Chi square test was used for the statistical analysis and a P-value of &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. An improvement in palatability was observed with the PIMH diet. More specifically, first choice results were greater during the four days of the study with PIMH (82%, 88%, 89% and 100%, respectively) compared with Control. Likewise, consumption ratio was also greater with PIMH over the four study days (84%, 87%, 86% and 93%, respectively). On the other hand, the PIMH diet showed a greater digestibility (77.98%) compared with the Control diet (73.95%), as well as a better feces score (0% unacceptable feces vs 4.2% in the Control group).In conclusion, using 3% Palbio HP PIMH in dry dog food as replacement for poultry meal leads to enhanced palatability and digestibility, while it has no negative impact on feces quality or diet costs.

Improved physical and structural properties of high-protein powders by fluidized-bed agglomeration.

High-protein powders (milk protein isolate (MPI) and soybean protein isolate (SPI)) were treated with maltodextrin solution (10% or 20%) or water as a binder and then subjected to fluidized-bed agglomeration. The MPI agglomerates were compared with the SPI agglomerates as a function of maltodextrin (MD) concentration. The particle size, wettability, and porosity values of SPI agglomerates were much higher than those of the raw powder when compared to the MPI agglomerates. The agglomerated protein powders with MD binder showed significantly higher solubility values than the raw powders. These tendencies were discernible in the morphological examination via SEM analysis. The dynamic modulus values of SPI agglomerates decreased with an increase in MD concentration from 10 to 20% whereas those of MPI agglomerates increased. These findings indicate that the physical, structural, and rheological properties of agglomerated high-protein powders are greatly influenced by the type of protein and the addition of MD binder.

High-protein diet with immediate post-exercise protein drink: Impact on appetite in middle-aged obesity

Successful management of obesity can be challenging if individuals constantly experience cravings. The present study investigated the effects of a high-protein diet, including a high-protein drink consumed immediately after high-intensity interval training (HIIT), on appetite and weight loss in obese middle-aged individuals. A total of 52 obese middle-aged individuals (58.2 ± 4.11 years old) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the exercise group (E, n=19), exercise and high-protein diet group (ED, n=21), and a control group (n=12). The E and ED groups engaged in cycling HIIT (comprising 90 % of peak heart rate (HRpeak) for 3 min, followed by 70 % of HRpeak for 3 min, for a total of 5 cycles) three times a week for 3 months. The ED group consumed a high-protein drink immediately after HIIT and had a daily protein intake of 1.6g/kg. Body composition and eating behavior were assessed before and after the intervention. Additionally, appetite levels were measured before and after each exercise session, before dinner, and before bedtime during three phases of the intervention: the first phase (weeks 3-4), the second phase (weeks 5-8), and the third phase (weeks 9-12). Results showed that only the ED group experienced a decrease in body mass index (from 27.4 ± 4.28 to 26.8 ± 4.09 kg/m2, p=0.04). Appetite significantly increased after exercise in both E and ED groups (p values for the three phases ranged from 0.04 to 0.001 for the E group and from 0.042 to 0.003 for the ED group). The desire to eat significantly increased after exercise in the E group (phase 1: p = 0.026; phase 2: p = 0.011; phase 3: p = 0.003), but not in the ED group. Furthermore, the frequency of late-night snacking decreased in the ED group (the score changed from 2.4 ± 0.86 to 2.7 ± 0.80, p = 0.034). Notably, the E group tended to have a higher pre-dinner appetite score than the ED group in the third phase (p = 0.063). In summary, a high daily protein intake, combined with the consumption of high-protein drinks after exercise, resulted in reduced post-exercise appetite and a decrease in the frequency of late-night snacking.

Valorization of bovine tannery fleshing waste as a fish meal replacer: a conceivable green approach

Valorization of bovine tannery fleshing waste as a fish meal replacer: a conceivable green approach

Implications of dietary soybean meal replacement with corn gluten meal on growth performance, antioxidant activities, hepatopancreatic histopathology, and intestinal flora of juvenile Pacific shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study aimed to investigate the potential of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with corn gluten meal (CGM) in the diet of Pacific white shrimp (Litopaeneaus vannamei). The study examined the effects of a dietary soybean meal replacement on growth, biochemical indices, antioxidant activities, histology, and intestinal flora. A total of 840 juvenile Pacific shrimp were fed seven diets containing different levels of CGM, ranging from diet 1 (diet1) 0% (control), diet2 (3%), diet3 (7%), diet4 (9%), diet5 (11.8%), diet6 (12.7%), and diet 7 (14.4%). The experiment was conducted over 56 days, with three replicate of each group (initial mean weight = 0.13 0.00 g). The results showed that dietary CGM significantly increased final body weight, average weight gain, and specific growth rate. However, the inclusion of dietary CGM decreased with higher levels. The feed conversion ratio of diets 2 and 3 was considerably lower than that of the control group. The activities of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase increased significantly with the feeding of CGM, while the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase decreased significantly. The histology of the hepatopancreas showed an evident epithelial tubule (E, B, R, and F), and the number of intact epithelial cells increased considerably with the increasing inclusion of CGM (P < 0.05). The intestinal flora in the shrimp intestine responded favorably to the replacement of SBM with CGM in the dietary CGM treatment groups, including a number of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Moreover, with rising CGM levels, diversity indices and richness estimates rose. The regression model with a broken line was found to describing the relationship between the growth rate and the optimal level of CGM required. The results showed that a CGM dose of 3.31% was the most effective for achieving optimal growth performance in juvenile L. vannamei.

Diet in the management of type 2 diabetes: umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials

ObjectiveTo systematically summarise and evaluate the existing evidence on the effect of diet on the management of type 2 diabetes and prevention of complications.DesignUmbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses...

Efficacy of convenience meal-type foods designed for diabetes in the management of metabolic syndrome based on a 3-week trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effect of meal-type food for diabetes on improving metabolic syndrome risk factors in adults. MethodsThe participants were adult men and women aged 40–55 y with 1 or more risk factors for metabolic syndrome. They were provided with a diabetic diet (a meal-type food) and general diet in the form of home meal replacement for 3 wk. The current research used a crossover design. All participants had iso-caloric meal replacement per day, and there was a 2-wk washout period between each diet. The nutritional standards of a diabetic diet were based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which are: <50% carbohydrates, <10% sugars, <7% saturated fat, and >10 g dietary fiber. The average caloric content was 489.1 ± 45.0 kcal. The composition of the general diet was similar to that of the diabetic diet; however, there were differences in sugar content. In total, 15 participants were included in the research, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of nutrient intake during the intervention period. ResultsBody weight (P = 0.001), body mass index (P = 0.004), waist circumference (P = 0.030), triacylglycerol (P = 0.002), total cholesterol (P = 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.008) levels were significantly lower in the diabetic diet intervention period than before and after 3 wk of the intervention. In addition, reduction in body weight (P = 0.001), body mass index (P = 0.006), waist circumference (P = 0.032), and triacylglycerol (P = 0.036) and total cholesterol (P = 0.007) levels in the diabetic diet intervention period significantly differed compared with those in the general diet intervention period. ConclusionsReplacing 1 meal per day with meal-type food for diabetes improved body composition and blood lipid levels in adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors.

A comparison of virtual and in person delivery of a full meal replacement program for obesity.

Full meal replacement (FMR) Intensive Lifestyle Interventions (ILI) have been used for weight management. However, predictors of efficacy with these programs are less clear. The primary objective was to assess weight loss predictors in a community-based FMR ILI program. A secondary objective was to determine if weight loss was different between virtual and in person ILI. This was a retrospective cohort study involving 234 patients who started the program between 1 January 2016 and 3 March 2021. In the 24-week program, patients spent 12weeks on FMR and then transitioned back to food for the remainder, with weekly follow up with a physician and group sessions with a dietitian. Visits were in person prior to March 2020 and virtual afterward. Patients' average age was 47.5years (SD=12.0) and 73.5% were female. Average weight loss was 14.3% (SD=6.2%). There was no significant difference in weight loss between virtual and in person programs. Patients on a Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist prior lost less weight. Other significant associations between groups were baseline Hemoglobin A1C, classes attended, as well as the age since peak weight. Weight loss from virtual ILI was not significantly different from person ILI. More research is needed to determine how to best stratify care as virtual or in person using FMR programs.

Insects as an alternative protein source in poultry nutrition: review

In today’s world, poultry farming is the most dynamically developing branch of agro-industrial complex, providing the population of the planet with products of animal origin. However, poultry meat producers in developing countries face the challenges of high cost and low-quality poultry feed. Limited use of available protein sources forces professionals to consider using alternative protein sources such as forage insects. Due to high content of fat (30–40 %) and protein components (40–60 %) and wide distribution, insects are a cost-effective and potentially sustainable feed resource for poultry feeding. The conducted studies confirm that insect meal (larvae of black soldier fly, housefly, large mealworm, silkworm, grasshopper and locust) can be considered as a potential replacement for fishmeal and soybean meal in poultry feed mixtures. A review of scientific literature is presented, which highlights the use of insects as a source of protein and biologically active substances (polyunsaturated fatty acids and antimicrobial peptides) for poultry feeding and possibility of large-scale insect cliching for feed production. Information is provided on the chemical composition, nutritional and biological value of insect-based feed meal in comparison with soybean and fishmeal. There is practically no information in the literature about the negative consequences for chicken growth when using insect meal in feeding. Most scientific publications indicate that physiological indicators and productivity, when insect meal was used in poultry feeding, were practically not inferior to those in birds fed with soy or fishmeal. Thus, the use of insects as a feed component in poultry farming is a promising aspect for sustainable development of animal husbandry, which allows solving the problems of waste processing and rational use of feed resources.

Особенности процесса ферментации молочно-соевой смеси

The plant milk market is actively developing at the moment, as many consumers suffer from lactose and casein intolerance, while vegetarianism is being popularized. The use of soy milk is becoming popular in the technology of fermented dairy plant products, as it is a lactose-free analog of cow milk and source of native protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients. However, the fermentation of dairy and plant compositions is quite complex and has not been fully understood yet, and therefore the goal of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the fermentation of milk and soy mixtures with different compositions (cow milk: soy milk in the ratios of 55:45; 70:30; 85:15). The tests were conducted at the Laboratory of Agricultural Product Processing. To obtain milk and soy mixtures, a plant protein drink – soy milk – was prepared from soybeans of the Sentyabrinka variety selected by the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Research Center All-Russian Research Institute of Soybean. The fermentation of milk and soy mixtures was performed using the acid-rennet method with bacterial starter cultures No. 1 (Lactobacillus lactis, Lactococcus diacetylactis, Lactococcus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus) and No. 2 (Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis, Lac. lactis subsp. diacetilactis, Leuconostoc lactis and/or mesenteroides subsp. cremoris, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Streptococcus thermophilus). The acid formation of fermented milk and soy clots was studied in time at intervals of 1 hour, and their active and titratable acidity levels were analyzed in the course of work. Fermentation completion was determined based on the organoleptic indicators of fermented clots and their acidity levels. The following was established as the result of the tests: composition of the milk-soy mixture – 70:30; technological fermentation process parameters and modes – 328–346 minutes at a temperature of 34 °C, with the production of a fermented milk and soy clot having the best organoleptic quality indicators – well-formed, with a stable texture, pleasant, sour-milk taste, light soy aftertaste and smell. The analytical dependences of the titratable and active acidity indicators on the duration of fermentation process were calculated based on an analysis of acid formation in experimental clot samples.

121 Use of Specialty Soy Products as Alternatives to Poultry Meal and Spray-Dried Blood Plasma in Nursery Pig Diets

Abstract A total of 2,260 pigs (initial BW = 6.7 ± 0.3 kg) were used to evaluate specialty soy protein sources as alternatives to poultry meal and spray-dried blood plasma on nursery pig performance. At weaning, pigs were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments based on initial weight in two research nurseries. In the first facility there were 20 pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment. In the second facility, there were 21 pigs per pen and 12 replications per treatment for a total of 22 replications per treatment. Pigs were fed experimental diets during phase 1 (d 0 to 7) and phase 2 (d 7 to 21) followed by a common diet for an additional 21 days (d 21 to 42). Dietary treatments included a control diet containing 9.5% poultry meal (AV-E Digest, XFE Products, Des Moines, IA) and 4.13 (Phase 1) or 2.75% (Phase 2) spray-dried blood plasma (Appetein, APC Inc., Ankeny, IA) and a 2 × 2 factorial with a novel soy protein concentrate (AX3 Digest; Protekta; Plainfield, IN) or microbial enhanced soy protein (MEPro; Prairie Aquatech; Brookings, SD) replacing poultry meal or poultry meal and spray-dried blood plasma. Protein sources were added to the diet to maintain a similar level of soybean meal and balance for SID amino acids. Thus, soy protein sources were added to the diet at 6 and 13 (Phase 1) or 10.75% (Phase 2) to replace poultry meal or poultry meal and spray-dried blood plasma, respectively. Dietary treatment structure allowed the opportunity to compare each protein source to each other, soy protein sources as a replacement to poultry meal, and soy protein sources as a replacement to spray-dried blood plasma. During the experimental period (d 0 to 21), pigs fed novel soy protein concentrate had improved (P &amp;lt; 0.001) G:F with no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) in ADG or ADFI compared with pigs fed microbial enhanced soy protein (Table). Pigs fed either soy protein as a replacement of poultry meal had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) ADG and ADFI compared with pigs fed the control diet. Additionally, pigs fed either soy protein source as a replacement of spray-dried blood plasma had improved (P = 0.044) G:F compared with pigs fed either soy protein without replacing spray-dried blood plasma, with no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) in ADG or ADFI. In summary, utilizing a specialty soy protein source as a replacement for poultry meal improved growth performance. Further replacing poultry meal and spray-dried blood plasma with the specialty soy proteins improved feed efficiency during the experimental period. The novel soy protein concentrate improved feed efficiency compared with microbial enhanced soy protein during the experimental period with no effect on ADG or ADFI.

Mechanism on the Synergistic Gelation of the Myofibrillar Protein Composite Gel Enhanced by "Clean-Label" Skin Functional Protein Powders.

The concept of healthiness and sustainability has promoted the innovation and development of "clean-label" products. Herein, this study aims to explore the influence mechanism of "clean label" skin protein powder (FPP) on the gelation properties of myofibrillar proteins (MPs). Specifically, the addition of FPP (0.2-4.0%) can improve the water holding capability and texture properties of MP composite gels. When the FPP concentration is over 1.0%, the composite gels exhibit no significant water loss during centrifugation. Dynamic rheology and sodium-dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results revealed that FPP can slow the aggregation and denaturation of myosin and promote the formation of disulfide bonds between myofibril proteins, thus forming a stable network structure. Structural observation revealed that FPP can fill into the MP gel and lead to the formation of compact gel structures. Besides, with the increase of FPP concentration, the chemical forces involved in structural stabilization change significantly. Specifically, hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding are the dominant forces at a lower FPP concentration (0.2 and 0.4%), while the ionic bond and disulfide bond are the dominant forces at a higher concentration. Overall, this work demonstrated that FPP can significantly improve the gel functionality of MP by altering the gel structure and strengthening the molecular forces.

Patients with diabetes in rural underserved areas

Patients with diabetes in rural underserved areas Richard J. Santen, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, delineates the characteristics of patients with diabetes residing in rural underserved areas, including the role of meal replacements for weight loss. Patients with diabetes residing in rural, economically challenged and medically underserved areas generally lack endocrinologists for consultative evaluation and management. (1,2) One solution to the problem is recruiting retired endocrinologists to care for these patients by telemedicine. This can be facilitated by partnering with rural, community health clinics. In the United States, a Federal program funds 1,400 rural clinics and supports the providers and clinical educators to instruct patients regarding diabetes mellitus management, nutrition, laboratory testing, and radiology. My experience over the last six years, as a partially retired endocrinologist, indicates that such a program is beneficial and results in lowering the hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with diabetes (3).

Efficacy and Safety of a High-Energy, Low-Protein Formula Replacement Meal for Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

High-energy, low-protein formulas (HE-LPFs) are commonly used as oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) to help provide extra calories to patients who are adhering to a low-protein diet (LPD) after diagnosis with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an HE-LPF as either a partial or a total replacement for one meal in pre-dialysis CKD patients. Stage 4–5 CKD patients received either a once-daily HE-LPF (HE-LPF group) or normal food (control group) for a period of 4 weeks while following an LPD. Overall, 73 patients who completed the study were included in the intention-to-treat population. After analyzing the 3-day food records, the HE-LPF group experienced a significant decrease in the percentage of energy derived from protein (p &lt; 0.05) and an increase in the percentage of energy derived from fat (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the control group. The two groups had no significant differences in body weight, body composition, grip strength, renal function, electrolytes, or metabolic markers. The HE-LPF group had a high adherence (94.9% at week 4), and no adverse effects were observed. HE-LPFs are safe to employ as meal replacements for pre-dialysis CKD patients adhering to an LPD.