Vegetable Protein Research Articles

Dietary acidity and bone mass in minority children and adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis from the MetA-Bone trial.

Childhood/adolescence is key for developing strong bones. With the continuing rise in osteoporosis rates in Western societies, attention has turned to the possible impact of diets that create high levels of acid in the body. Some studies have shown an association between dietary acid load and bone mass, but there are limited studies in children/adolescents and none in Hispanics. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between dietary acid load (assessed as dietary potential renal acid load, PRAL, and protein to potassium ratio) and whole-body bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) in a sample of 123 children and adolescents of predominantly Hispanic ethnicity. This study is a secondary cross-sectional analysis. Dietary PRAL was positively associated with BMC and BMD overall (p < 0.05) and with BMC in boys (p < 0.05) when adjusted for energy misreporting only. The vegetable protein to potassium ratio was inversely associated with BMC (p = 0.004) in boys only, after adjusting for important factors. Dietary acid load seems to be associated with BMC in boys in this sample of primarily Hispanic children. Long-term studies are needed to confirm these results and to understand the importance of protein intake in relation to other key nutrients in bone mass acquisition among Hispanic boys.

ОБОСНОВАНИЕ РЕЦЕПТУРНОГО СОСТАВА КОНЦЕНТРАТОВ НАПИТКОВ НА ОСНОВЕ БЕЛКА КОНОПЛИ ДЛЯ СПОРТИВНОГО ПИТАНИЯ

The purpose of the study is to experimentally substantiate the formulations of beverage concentrates based on vegetable protein for sports nutrition. The objects of the study were beverage concentrates based on hemp protein; drinks prepared for consumption. The following stages of scientific research were carried out, namely selection of components of beverage concentrate formulations was conducted; the organoleptic and physico-chemical indicators of the quality of concentrates and drinks obtained from them were analyzed; the stability of the quality and safety of beverage concentrates during the recommended shelf life was studied. As a result of research, the compositions of beverage concentrate formulations were substantiated, including vegetable protein, antioxidant, thickener, flavoring agent and flavoring food additives. The high nutritional value of the resulting drinks, the high content of protein and digestible carbohydrates have been experimentally confirmed. Accordingly, the drinks obtained from these concentrates can be classified as protein-carbohydrate products for sports nutrition. It has been established that the quality and safety of the developed beverage concentrates comply with the regulated requirements, as well as the high preservation of their properties throughout the regulated storage period. An increase in the moisture content in the samples of concentrates (up to 8.8 %) and an increase in titratable acidity (up to 3 degrees) were established, the obtained values were within the regulated values. During the storage period of 4 months at elevated temperatures, the processes of oxidative deterioration proceeded to a small extent, the increase in acid and peroxide number was no more than 30 % relative to the initial value. The results of scientific research are recommended for implementation at enterprises specializing in the production of food products from industrial hemp seeds.

Mid-Infrared-Spectroscopy-Based Method for Identifying Single and Multiple Vegetable Protein Adulterants in Whey Protein

Mid-Infrared-Spectroscopy-Based Method for Identifying Single and Multiple Vegetable Protein Adulterants in Whey Protein

Impact of Maternal Macronutrient Intake on Large for Gestational Age Neonates' Risk Among Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Results from the Greek BORN2020 Cohort.

The effect of maternal macronutrient composition on the risk of large for gestational age (LGA) neonates among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate these associations in a pregnant cohort in Northern Greece, considering both pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy dietary intake, and stratifying women by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). From a total of 797 eligible pregnant women, the 117 (14.7%) who developed GDM (and thus were included in the study) completed the validated Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs). Macronutrient intake was assessed for the six months before pregnancy and until mid-gestation, prior to the oral glucose tolerance test. Data were compared with European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines, and participants were stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI (normal vs. overweight/obese). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for LGA risk. In normal-BMI women with GDM, higher dietary fiber (aOR = 1.39) and vegetable protein (aOR = 1.61) intake before pregnancy were both significantly associated with an increased risk of LGA. During early pregnancy, the elevated risk from vegetable protein persisted (aOR = 1.51). Among overweight/obese women, no significant pre-pregnancy associations were observed. However, during early pregnancy, a higher percentage of total carbohydrate intake was linked to increased LGA risk (aOR = 1.11), while maintaining saturated fatty acids "as low as possible" reduced the odds of LGA (aOR = 0.71). Elevated vegetable protein intake also increased LGA risk (aOR = 1.61). Maternal macronutrient intake prior to and during early pregnancy may influence LGA risk in GDM, with distinct patterns according to pre-pregnancy BMI. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring dietary recommendations-especially regarding fiber, vegetable protein, carbohydrates, and saturated fat-to mitigate the risk of LGA in women with GDM.

Animal and Vegetable Proteins: Applications as Film and Coating in Food Industry

Animal and Vegetable Proteins: Applications as Film and Coating in Food Industry

Wheat Germ as Partial or Total Substitutive of Lean Meat in Low-Fat Cooked Sausages.

Wheat germ is a byproduct of the cereal industry that contains high levels of protein, fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and other functional microcomponents. However, so far, few applications have been found in the meat industry despite the growing interest in replacing meat with vegetable proteins. Therefore, the use of wheat germ for the production of low-fat frankfurters was considered. Five different formulations were prepared: control with pork meat and the following four to achieve 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% lean meat substitution by wheat germ. Proximal composition, color, texture, emulsion characterization, fatty acid profile, fat oxidation, and consumer acceptance were then analyzed. The results showed that the incorporation of wheat germ improved emulsion stability, decreasing significantly total expressible fluid and jelly/fat separation, although increasing the back extrusion force. In terms of the final product, the progressive substitution of meat by germ resulted in significant increases in carbohydrates, in special of fiber, and ash as well as significant decreases in moisture and total fat. Sausages made with germ were darker (L*), as well as harder, chewier, and gummier, but less cohesive and elastic. Similarly, wheat germ substitution improved the quality of the lipid profile showing higher levels of, but decreased acceptability for replacements > 25%. Substitution of meat was feasible up to 25%, a formulation for which there was hardly any significant difference with the control.

Maternal Macronutrient Intake and Associated Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Results from the BORN2020 Study.

Background/Objectives: Limited evidence links maternal macronutrient intake to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. Therefore, we evaluated these intakes both before and during pregnancy, comparing macronutrient data against the European Food and Safety Authorities' (EFSA) Dietary Reference Values (DRVs). Methods: Data were prospectively collected from the Greek BORN2020 epidemiologic pregnant cohort, which included 797 pregnant women, of whom 14.7% were diagnosed with GDM. A multinomial logistic regression model assessed the association between macronutrient intake and GDM, adjusting for maternal, lifestyle, and pregnancy-related factors. Results: Women with GDM had higher maternal age (34.15 ± 4.48 vs. 32.1 ± 4.89 years), higher pre-pregnancy BMI (median 23.7 vs. 22.7 kg/m2), and were more likely to smoke during mid-gestation (17.95% vs. 8.82%). Pre-pregnancy energy intake exceeding EFSA recommendations was associated with increased GDM risk (aOR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.37-2.86). During mid-gestation, higher dietary fiber intake (aOR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.00-1.10), higher protein intake (aOR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04), and higher protein percentage of energy intake (aOR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.01-1.17) were all significantly associated with increased GDM risk. Changes from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy showed significant increases in dietary fiber intake (aOR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.04-1.10), protein (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01), fat (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01), vegetable protein (aOR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.03), animal protein (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI: 1.00-1.01), and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake (aOR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.02), all of which were associated with increased GDM risk. Conclusions: Energy intake above upper levels set by EFSA, as well as increased protein, MUFA, and fiber intake, although beneficial in balanced intakes, may negatively affect gestation by increasing GDM likelihood when consumed beyond requirements.

The Addition of Telang Flower (Clitoria ternatea) in Tempeh with Different Fermentation Time

Tempeh is an important part of Indonesia's culinary culture. Tempeh is a food that contains a high source of vegetable protein. So far, the tempeh on the market is tempeh without any mixture of ingredients. The addition of telang flowers which have been beneficial for health is one of the innovations because telang flowers contain anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids which have an effect on the human body so that it is hoped that this research will be able to produce innovations and added value from telang flowers. One of them is the innovation of telang flower tempeh products. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of making tempeh with the addition of natural coloring from telang flowers with different fermentation times based on the test of water content, ash content, and the level of panelist preference based on the hedonic test, for tempeh formulations with a combination of telang flowers. This research was conducted with the method of Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 1 treatment factor, namely different fermentation times (P1) 24 hours (P2) 48 hours and (P3) 72 hours with repetition of parameters testing water content, ash content, hedonic test. The results showed that in making tempeh with the addition of telang flowers, the highest water content was P2 treatment (61.54%) and there was the lowest value of P1 (60.51%). The results of the highest tempeh ash content are treatment (P1) 2.7%, the lowest value is (P3) 1.11%. In the hedonic test of telang flower tempeh, the color test had the highest value (P3) 3.43 (like) the lowest value (P2) 3.27 (like).In the texture hedonic test there was the highest value (P2) 3.40 (like) the lowest value (P1) 3.13 (like) And in the aroma hedonic test there was the highest value (P3) 3.25 (like) the lowest value (P1) 3.08 (like).

Review: Application of Protein-Based Raw Materials in Health Foods in China

Raw protein materials are beneficial for human health, so they are being increasingly used in health foods. In recent years, there has been more and more research on and applications of raw protein materials, but few teams have conducted a detailed review of the application status of raw protein materials in China’s health foods, the basis for their compliance and use, and the research on their health care functions. Therefore, this review evaluates the application of animal and plant proteins in China’s health foods, the impact of animal and plant proteins on human health, and future research recommendations for animal and plant proteins. This review analyzes and discusses the data on approved health foods that have been verified to contain raw protein materials (mainly including the number of protein health foods approved over the years, the classification of raw protein materials and types of relevant regulations, the analysis of the frequency of use of raw protein materials, and the functions of approved health foods). Through this process, the application of raw protein materials in health foods in China is systematically reviewed. In short, through data analysis, this study found that in 1996~2024, a total of 1142 health foods containing raw protein materials were approved in China, which are mainly divided into animal proteins, vegetable proteins, microbial proteins, and peptide raw materials, and peptide raw materials comprise the majority. The compliance applications of these ingredients are mainly related to China’s five categories of food regulations. The results show the following for health foods containing raw protein materials: in terms of the dosage form, they are mainly solid preparations; according to their functional claims, they mainly help to enhance immunity, help improve bone density, help improve skin moisture, and relieve physical fatigue; and in the application of raw materials, it is found that the use of raw materials such as casein phosphopeptide, soybean protein isolate, whey protein, collagen, spirulina, and other raw materials in products is relatively high. Finally, based on these studies, this paper discusses suggestions for raw protein materials in the future development of health food in China and also discusses the limitations of the current research in this review.

Modulation of Inflammation Levels and the Gut Microbiota in Mice with DSS-Induced Colitis by a Balanced Vegetable Protein Diet.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a nonspecific chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine that is mainly divided into ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Nutrients play important roles in the treatment of IBD. In this study, the effects of vegetable proteins on the regulation of IBD were explored via the amino acid scoring formula. Two diets with different amino acid scores, a balanced one and an imbalanced one, were assessed for their effects on acute colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Pathological symptoms were evaluated by the disease activity index (DAI) and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, the expression of inflammatory factors and barrier proteins was determined via qPCR and western blotting, and the intestinal microbiota was examined via 16S rRNA sequencing. The results indicated that the balanced vegetable protein diet (BVPD) relieved colitis by reducing the colonic histological score, inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and promoting the expression of tight junction proteins. Analysis of gut microbes revealed that the BVPD altered the structural composition of the intestinal flora in animals with DSS-induced colitis by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, etc.). In conclusion, a BVPD effectively relieves colitis and may be a promising adjuvant strategy for the treatment of IBD.

A Review on the Application of Animal-Based Materials Using Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing and Protein Restructuring Technologies.

Production of alternative proteins is crucial for the development of future protein resources. This study explored the creation of sustainable animal resources by combining extrusion molding and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. Extrusion effectively organizes vegetable proteins at high temperatures and pressures to replicate meat-like textures, and high-moisture extrusion successfully mimics the fiber structure of conventional meat. However, many meat analogs products still differ from conventional meat in terms of sensory properties such as texture, juiciness, and flavor, indicating the need for quality improvement. Researchers have leveraged 3D printing technology to incorporate fat analogs and enhance the appearance and texture through muscle fiber simulation. This technology allows for precise arrangement of muscle fibers, formation of adipose tissue, and marbling, thereby improving the overall sensory experience. By combining extrusion and 3D printing, we can enhance the nutritional and organoleptic qualities of meat analogs, ultimately meeting consumer expectations and achieving a balance between plant- and animal-based materials.

Relationship between Fertility Diet Score Index Items and Ovulation in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by ovarian dysfunction and a leading cause of infertility due to ovulatory issues. Lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications, exercise, and weight management, are considered first-line therapies for women with PCOS; however, the optimal treatment remains unidentified. The Fertility Diet (FD), introduced in 2007, represents a dietary approach that may positively impact fertility by emphasizing specific micronutrients, dietary composition modifications, weight management, and increased physical activity. This narrative review aims to evaluate how various components of the Fertility Diet influence ovulation and overall fertility, assessed through a fertility diet score. The findings of this study suggest that adherence to the Fertility Diet, particularly higher intake of the monounsaturated to trans-fat ratio, and increased vegetable protein intake, may positively influence fertility outcomes in individuals with PCOS. In contrast, high consumption of animal protein and high glycemic load food may have adverse effects. However, the current evidence remains insufficient for definitive conclusions, warranting further interventional studies to explore this relationship.

Optimization of Fermentation Process of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Seeds and Evaluation of Acute Toxicity of Protein Extract in Mice

The seeds of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds, a high-quality vegetable protein source, encounter application limitations due to their high molecular weight and anti-nutritional factors. This study focused on optimizing the fermentation process by investigating key parameters such as inoculation amount, inoculation ratio, material-to-liquid ratio, fermentation temperature, and fermentation time. Both single-factor experiments and response surface methodology were used to determine the optimal conditions. The effects of fermentation on particle size, surface morphology (scanning electron microscopy), water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, solubility, and emulsification properties of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed protein were analyzed. In addition, acute toxicity was investigated at doses of 1.5 g/kg, 3 g/kg, 6 g/kg, and 12 g/kg. The results showed that the optimal fermentation conditions were an inoculum concentration of 10%, a ratio of Bacillus subtilis to Lactobacillus plantarum of 1:1, a material-to-liquid ratio of 0.8:1, a temperature of 35 °C, and a fermentation period of 4 days. Under these optimized conditions, the soluble protein content reached 153.1 mg/g. After fermentation, the functional properties of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed protein improved significantly: the water holding capacity increased by 89%, the oil holding capacity by 68%, while the emulsifying activity and stability indices improved by 6% and 17%, respectively. The macromolecular proteins in the seeds of Zanthoxylum bungeanum were effectively broken down into smaller fragments during fermentation, resulting in a more folded and porous surface structure. In acute toxicity tests, all mice treated with fermented Zanthoxum seed protein survived for more than 7 days after injection, and there were no significant differences in body weight, organ index, and hematological tests between groups, but FZBSP of 1.5 g/kg~12 g/kg caused varying degrees of steatosis and inflammatory damage in the heart and liver. In conclusion, this study confirms that follow-up pilot studies using 1.5 g/kg FZBSP have the potential for further development and utilization.

Evaluation and Isolation of Mungbean Yellow Mosai Virus Resistant Mutants in M4 and M5 Mutant Generations of Blackgram (Vigna mungo)

Background: The pulse known as “Blackgram” is a significant component of the Indian diet since it provides vegetable protein and balances the diet centered on cereals. Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) outbreaks on a regular basis completely destroy crops, causing farmers to suffer enormous losses. Mutation breeding can be an effective strategy for developing crops with desirable traits, such as high yield and resistance to diseases like the Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) in blackgram. Methods: This experiment was laid out to study the variability pattern of mutant population in M4 and M5 generation of blackgram variety CO 6 treated with the Gamma rays at 200 Gy, 300 Gy and 400Gy and isolation of viable mutants for Mungbean Yellow Mosaic virus resistance. Significant variability was observed among the different treatments in M4 generation and twenty MYMV resistant mutants ((PKT-BG-200Gy-P07; PKT-BG-200Gy-P24; PKT-BG-200Gy-P29; PKT-BG-200Gy-P35; PKT-BG-200Gy-P36; PKT-BG-200Gy-P45; PKT-BG-300Gy-P13; PKT-BG-300Gy-P16; PKT-BG-300Gy-P28; PKT-BG-300Gy-P33; PKT-BG-300Gy-P41; PKT-BG-300Gy-P4; PKT-BG-300Gy-P43; PKT-BG-300Gy-P76; PKT-BG-300Gy-P81; PKT-BG-300Gy-P88; PKT-BG-300Gy-P93; PKT-BG-400Gy-P15; PKT-BG-400Gy-P21; PKT-BG-400Gy-P23) were selected and evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications under natural conditions. Scoring was done by the modified scale of All India Coordinated Research Project on MuLLaRP. Result: Incidence ranged from scale 0.01 (PKT-BG-300Gy-P41and PKT-BG-300Gy-P42) to 5.30 (PKT-BG-300Gy-P28). The mutants PKT-BG-300Gy-P41 and PKT-BG-300Gy-P42 recorded with maximum yield of 1500 kg/ha and 1445kg/ha were found to be observed as high yielding and MYMV resistant lines for summer season in the Cauvery delta region.

Impacts of legume and cereal based artificial diets on development and reproductive parameters of the armyworm Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The development of a viable mass-production technique for the generalist herbivore Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), using various artificial diets, is crucial for conducting experiments to study its biology and propose control methods. This study aims to investigate the developmental biology of S. litura fed on three distinct diets: two legume-based diets (chickpea flour, Cicer arietinum L. and common bean flour, Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and a cereal-based diet (corn flour, Zea mays L.). Results on various developmental parameters and total life cycle durations indicated that the chickpea and bean-based diets yielded the superior outcomes, with shorter developmental periods (29.74 and 30.73 days, respectively) compared to the corn flour diet (33.10 days). Growth parameters derived from life tables, such as the net reproductive rate (Ro), intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and finite rate of increase (λ), were also higher on chickpea and bean-based diets than the corn flour diet. These results suggest that legumes such as chickpeas and beans, which are rich in vegetable proteins, fibers, carbohydrates and essential minerals, provide a higher-quality nutritional foundation for the growth of S. litura compared to corn-based diet. Furthermore, these diets are suitable for understanding the phenology of S. litura, especially in relation to the nutritional variations of its host plants.

SUBSTITUTING FISH MEAL WITH SPIRULINA (ARTHROSPIRA PLATENSIS) MEAL IN DIETS FOR JUVENILE CLARIAS GARIEPINUS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of substituting fish meal with spirulina (Arthrospiraplatensis) meal into the diet of juvenilesclarias (Clarias gariepinus) in northern Senegal.This work was carried out on juveniles of 15 g raised in 09 aquariums with a volume of 24.3 L each.Three isonitrogenous diets (35% protein) containing different levels of spirulina meal 0%, 50%, 100% noted respectively A, B and C were prepared, each diet was randomly assigned to three groups of fish, fed to satiation, for 60 days.The results of water quality parameters of the different treatments showed that the average water temperature ranged from 26 to 27 °C, the average pH values ​​measured in the different treatments ranged from 6.3 to 6.6.The best growth and feed efficiency performances were obtained with diets B, the one containing 50% spirulina meal, followed by diets C and A.The results obtained show that the specific growth rates (SGR) varied between 1.58%1.64% and 1.8% respectively in fish fed with diets C, A and B. For the batches of fish receiving diets A, B and C, the feed conversion rate was between 1.01 and 1.38 kg. Regarding survival rates, statistical analyses show that diets B and C obtained the best TS comparedto diet A.The results of the study show that feeding A. platensis increased whole-body protein and ash contents of the fish, but decreased lipid and moisture contents.This study showed that the optimum rate of A. platensis in the fish practical diet is 50% replacement for fish meal in a fishmeal-based diet for of juvenile Clarias gariepinus without any adverse effects on fish growth and proximate composition of carcasses.This information is useful for the proper use of this vegetable protein source in the formulation of inert fish feed, which could reduce production costs and improve farm profitability.

Analysis of the Factors Influencing Soybean Demand in North Sumatra Province

The goal of the food diversification program is to encourage Indonesians to expand their dietary choices beyond rice. This initiative is not meant to replace rice but to shift consumption patterns, promoting the inclusion of a broader range of foods. Indonesia has a wealth of agricultural products, such as soybeans, corn, and potatoes, that can serve as staple foods and support the diversification effort. Given the limited purchasing power of many Indonesians, the program emphasizes food products that are both highly nutritious and relatively affordable for the general population. Legumes, including soybeans, peanuts, winged bean seeds, and koro beans, are commonly used to meet dietary needs. Among these, soybeans are particularly important as a rich source of vegetable protein. The public has increasingly turned to soybean-based products such as tofu, tempeh, soy sauce, and soy milk to boost their intake of plant-based protein. Additionally, soybeans are versatile, serving not only as food for direct consumption but also as ingredients in animal feed for poultry and fish.

Modification of Macronutrient Intake for Prevention of Gout in Japanese People in 2022: 2024 Update

In Japan, the prevalence of gout has increased markedly since the 1960s. Following on from the previous report, the aim of this article is to suggest what macronutrient intake is important for the prevention of gout in Japanese people in 2022 referencing the results of clinical research reported. As the previous report, the author used the data of the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in Japan for the number of gout patients (1986-2022) and the data of the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan (1946-2022) for the intake of macronutrients. Macronutrient intake of Japanese people in 2022 were compared with those in 2019. The relationship between the number of gout patients and macronutrient intake in Japanese people was examined. The number of gout patients of Japanese people in 2022 was higher compared to that in 2019 (2019: 1.254 million; 2022: 1.306 million). Almost all gout patients were adults, and the number of gout patients were higher in men than in women. Compared to the Japanese diet in 2019, in the Japanese diet in 2022, the mean ratio of energy intake from protein in total energy intake (Protein/Energy) was the same and the mean ratio of energy intake from fat in total energy intake (Fat/Energy) increased by 0.5% and the mean ratio of energy intake from carbohydrate in total energy intake (Carbohydrate /Energy) decreased by 0.5%. The daily intake of dietary fiber of Japanese men (aged ≥ 15 years) in 2022 was below the Adequate Intakes (AIs) established by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences in the U.S. The Fat/Energy and Saturated fatty acids/Energy and the daily intake of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were positively correlated with the number of gout patients, respectively. Whereas the Protein/Energy and the daily intake of energy, total carbohydrate, total protein, animal protein, and vegetable protein were negatively correlated with the number of gout patients, respectively. Modification of macronutrient intake for the prevention of gout in Japanese people (especially adults) in 2022 is suggested as follows: reduce the mean ratio of energy intake from saturated fatty acids in total energy intake (Saturated fatty acids/Energy); limiting or decreasing intake of fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol; increase intake of carbohydrate (particularly dietary fiber) and protein (particularly animal protein from low-fat dairy products and vegetable protein).

Sustainability and nutritional aspects of traditional dishes from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Italy: A true cost accounting evaluation

The agrifood system needs to be redirected towards a path of sustainable development in which tradition regains its rightful place and importance. True Cost Accounting (TCA) can support this transition by translating environmental impacts into monetary terms and highlighting the hidden costs of foods. The present research combines TCA with nutritional data of traditional dishes from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region (Italy) to assess their sustainability. Results show the dishes with the highest hidden costs are those with animal proteins (beef), while those with predominant vegetable proteins have generally lower hidden costs. Specific ingredients and portion sizes were found to influence the dish impact and should be considered when developing sustainable menus or guidelines. The present study can pave the way for further studies designed to consider actual environmental indexes of local origin foods and food preparations and to summarize them in a single economic indicator, such as true cost.

Soybean Oil and Protein: Biosynthesis, Regulation and Strategies for Genetic Improvement.

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is one of the world's most important sources of oil and vegetable protein. Much of the energy required for germination and early growth of soybean seeds is stored in fatty acids, mainly as triacylglycerols (TAGs), and the main seed storage proteins are β-conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S). Recent research advances have deepened our understanding of the biosynthetic pathways and transcriptional regulatory networks that control fatty acid and protein synthesis in organelles such as the plastid, ribosome and endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we review the composition and biosynthetic pathways of soybean oils and proteins, summarizing the key enzymes and transcription factors that have recently been shown to regulate oil and protein synthesis/metabolism. We then discuss the newest genomic strategies for manipulating these genes to increase the food value of soybeans, highlighting important priorities for future research and genetic improvement of this staple crop.