High protein content Pea may not always indicate better protein digestibility or enhanced amino acid bioaccessibility and bioavailability

Monday, April 29, 2024

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

Room: 520b

Presenting Author(s)

Sayantini Paul, MSc (she/her/hers)

Graduate Research Assistant
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE, United States

Co-Author(s)

Kaustav Majumder, PhD (he/him/his)

Associate Professor
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
DS

Dipak Santra

Professor, Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Scottsbluff, Nebraska, United States

Abstract: Amidst the escalating interest in plant-based proteins, peas (Pisum Sativa L.) have emerged prominently. Different pea varieties can exhibit protein content ranging from 20-30%, directly influencing the gastrointestinal digestibility of proteins and the bio-availability of essential amino acids, crucial for human growth and development. Objective of this study is to analyse four Nebraska-grown high-yielding pea varieties—Carver, Profit, Spider, and Earlystar. Soluble protein content was highest in Carver (29.3%) followed by Profit (27%), Spider (24.5%), and Earlystar (20.5%). The soaked (16 hours) and cooked (25 mins at 85-90 ℃) pea samples were digested following the INFOGEST gastrointestinal (GI) digestion protocol. Intriguingly, the high-protein Carver and Profit varieties showcased superior digestibility in both gastric and intestinal phases. Peptide content of the GI digesta was higher in Carver (442.34 μg/mg) and Profit (390.29 μg/mg) compared to Earlystar (330.56 μg/mg) and Spider (370.50 μg/mg), indicating that a higher amount of protein in a sample can lead to a higher concentration of peptides in GI digesta. The Degree of Hydrolysis (DH) results indicated that Spider and Profit had significantly different hydrolysis rates of 30.5% and 37%, respectively, while Earlystar and Carver had hydrolysis rates of 33% and 34%, respectively. Furthermore, understanding antinutritive factors is essential to evaluate the digestibility of pulses such as peas; thus, Phytic acid and Bowman birk inhibitors (trypsin and chymotrypsin) were examined. While Carver boasted impressive protein and peptide concentrations, its elevated antinutritive factors, particularly trypsin (7.8 TUI/mg) and chymotrypsin (8.9 CUI/mg) inhibitors, pose potential concerns. In contrast, Profit emerges as a promising choice with lowest phytic acid content (0.99 g/100 g) and moderate trypsin (5.3 TUI/mg) inhibitory activity. Nonetheless, for a comprehensive evaluation, subsequent analyses encompassing free amino acid profiling and intestinal transport assays are imperative future steps to analyse the nutritional value of pea protein.