Iron Absorption From Naturally Dephytinized Legumes

Iron Deficiencies

plant based meat alternative, iron absorption, soy protein, phytic acid, dephytinization

Consumption of less meat and more plant-based protein can greatly reduce the negative impact of food production on the environment. Studies show that vegan diets can decrease greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water. However, it is important to consider the nutritional value of alternatives, as meat is a key source of nutrients like iron. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is estimated to be the top 5 leading causes of years lived with disability burden globally and the first cause in women. Nutritional iron deficiency anemia is often caused by low iron content and low dietary iron bioavailability. As meat, fish, and poultry are excellent sources of bioavailable iron, shifting or maintaining a predominantly plant-based diet can increase the risk of iron deficiency (ID). Phytic acid, the main phosphorus storage compound in plants, can hinder iron absorption and other divalent minerals. Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid, which lessens its ability to bind with minerals like iron. This enzyme is present in various plant tissues, with particularly high amounts found in wheat and rye. There is limited clinical evidence regarding iron absorption from plant-based meat. Thus, it is important to measure iron absorption from plant-based foods before and after treatment to remove phytic acid (dephytinization). The aim of this study is to determine the effect of phytic acid reduction on iron absorption. FIA of the soy protein concentrates meat analog with phytic acid will be compared with FIA from soy protein concentrate with dephytinization. In addition, this study will assess the FIA in a pork meat meal and will compare it to the FIA from the dephytinized meat analog.

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the iron absorption from plant-based protein with and without the reduction of phytic acid. This study is a randomized control trial, cross-over where each participant acts as their own control. Participants will be asked to consume test meals prepared from soy with and without dephytinization and test meals based on minced pork meat, that contains isotopic iron (57Fe and 58Fe) as ferrous sulfate. After 14 days of the test meal administration, participants will be given blood samples to access the isotopic iron enrichment in blood.

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