Lupin (Lupinus albus) protein isolate (L-ISO) has adequate nutritional value and reduces large intestinal weight in rats after restricted and ad libitum feeding.
BACKGROUND
A protein isolate from white lupin (Lupinus albus; L-ISO) has potential as a novel human food ingredient, but its nutritional effects are unknown.


METHODS
We evaluated protein quality and effects on body composition in rats of isoenergic diets of L-ISO, lactalbumin, or casein with both restricted (10-day) and ad libitum (28-day)intake. The diets were equivalent in protein per se, but supplementation was used to balance essential amino acid levels.


RESULTS
In both studies, the rats consumed similar amounts of each diet, and no effect of diet on the gain:feed ratio was observed--though gain:N ratio and net protein utilization were slightly lower for the L-ISO diet. Lower large intestinal weights after the L-ISO than after the lactalbumin diet were observed in both studies. The L-ISO diet resulted in lowered body fat percentage in the 10-day study but in an elevated level in the 28-day study. Liver composition (DNA, RNA, glycogen, and fat) and plasma levels of some amino acids (His, Thr, Ala, Pro, Tyr, Val and Met) were affected by diet, but no effects on plasma lipid, glucose, or uric acid were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The L-ISO diet did not affect feed intake and has adequate nutritional quality in rats whilst modifying large intestinal weight in a potentially beneficial manner--suggesting potential for this protein in human nutrition.
Caligari
Silvia
S
Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Chiesa
Giulia
G
Johnson
Stuart K
SK
Camisassi
Davide
D
Gilio
Donatella
D
Marchesi
Marta
M
Parolini
Cinzia
C
Rubio
Luis A
LA
Sirtori
Cesare R
CR
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000187:drug effects; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects*; D002364:Caseins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D003106:Colon / Q000187:drug effects*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007768:Lactalbumin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D031297:Lupinus / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
D000596:Amino Acids; D001786:Blood Glucose; D002364:Caseins; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D008055:Lipids; D010940:Plant Proteins; D014527:Uric Acid; D007768:Lactalbumin