In-vitro digestion models to examine the effects of Plant-Based Meat substitutes on Gut Microbial Metabolites

Abstract

The increasing popularity of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) has triggered a contentious debate about their impact on gut health in comparison to traditional animal-based meats. This study investigates the digestibility and bioavailability of a beef patty, a commercial PBMA, and a homemade pea protein-based 'patty' by examining their influence on gut microbial metabolism. Fecal samples from five different donors were utilized to replicate colonic fermentation in vitro, with samples collected at various time points (0, 6, 12, 24, 32, and 48 hours). A rapid biochemical profiling, comparing red meat and meat analogs in terms of traditional biomarkers of gut health (ammonia, phenols, indoles, pH, and short-chain fatty acids), was conducted. Additionally, an untargeted metabolomics workflow specially designed for time-series studies, utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography hyphenated to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-QTOF MS), was implemented to assess differences in terms of protein-related gut microbial metabolites (GMMs). The findings of this approach revealed notable differences in the production of intestinal inflammation markers, metabolites related to the carnitine pathways, and GMMs with signaling functions in the intestinal tract during the fermentation of animal- and plant-based burgers.