How Healthy Are Non-Traditional Dietary Proteins? The Effect of Diverse Protein Foods on Biomarkers of Human Health

Abstract

Future food security for healthy populations requires the development of safe, sustainably-produced protein foods to complement traditional dietary protein sources. To meet this need, a broad range of non-traditional protein foods are under active investigation. The aim of this review was to evaluate their potential effects on human health and to identify knowledge gaps, potential risks, and research opportunities. Non-traditional protein sources included are algae, cereals/grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, insects, mycoprotein, nuts, oil seeds, and legumes. Human, animal, and in vitro data suggest that non-traditional protein foods have compelling beneficial effects on human health, complementing traditional proteins (meat/poultry, soy, eggs, dairy). Improvements in cardiovascular health, lipid metabolism, muscle synthesis, and glycaemic control were the most frequently reported improvements in health-related endpoints. The mechanisms of benefit may arise from their diverse range of minerals, macro- and micronutrients, dietary fibre, and bioactive factors. Many were also reported to have anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antioxidant activity. Across all protein sources examined, there is a strong need for quality human data from randomized controlled intervention studies. Opportunity lies in further understanding the potential effects of non-traditional proteins on the gut microbiome, immunity, inflammatory conditions, DNA damage, cognition, and cellular ageing. Safety, sustainability, and evidence-based health research will be vital to the development of high-quality complementary protein foods that enhance human health at all life stages.

Effect of Sustainably Sourced Protein Consumption on Nutrient Intake and Gut Health in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

“…The demand for animal protein creates resource intensive farming systems resulting in deforestation, water scarcities, soil depletion and higher greenhouse gas emissions so therefore can have substantial environmental implications [36]. However, moving towards a more sustainable diet that reduces environmental impact without detriment to meeting dietary requirements, does not necessarily have to eliminate meat and dairy products [81] and can also include the option to incorporate alternative, more sustainable protein sources such as fruits, vegetables, insects, mycoproteins, legumes and microbial proteins, [82] which have been shown to have beneficial effects on human health [83].…”

Fungal-Derived Mycoprotein and Health across the Lifespan: A Narrative Review

“…There is also scope to investigate inter-relationships between fungal mycoprotein ingestion and markers of health at specific lifespan phases such as gestation. Great opportunity lies in accruing evidence for non-traditional dietary proteins such a mycoprotein given rising demands for health sustainably-produced protein foods [ 71 ].…”