Bioavailability of Proteins From Plant Based Diets

This study aims to develop stable isotope labeled protein of bean cultures that could be used for other local common foods, to quantify dietary indispensable amino acids from beans made available to the body for optimal growth, development and function and to participate in the development of a simple method to assess protein quality in vulnerable populations.

The project is divided in two parts: the first part of harvesting and production of deuterium labeled fava beans. The optimization test done the first year has shown that the best protocol for labelling was a pulse with 25% D2O followed with subsequent labeling with 2.5% D2O during 20 days.

The second part is the intervention stuy that is going to be conducted on 6 healthy volunteers (3 males, 3 females). Each participant will receive a test meal containing 13C labelled spirulina, 2H labelled Fava bean and 13C phenylalanine. The test meal will be divided on 11 subdoses: 3 sub-doses will be administrated at T0 and 1 subdose will be administrated at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7h. The remaining sub-dose will be kept for measurement of IAA in the test meal. After eating the test meal, blood, urine and breath samples will be collected from each participant at the baseline (T0) and after 5-6, 7h and 8h.

Inclusion criteria

Healthy, non-pregnant adults 18-65 years of age

Not taking any medication, including NSAIDs Not taking antibiotics within 4 weeks of study BMI within 18-35 range Stable weight

Exclusion criteria

Children and elderly (over 65)

Pregnancy Diagnosed with non-communicable or communicable disease Being under restrictive diet Antibiotics within 4 weeks of study Medications within 4 weeks of study