Postprandial amino acid, glucose and insulin responses among healthyadults after a single intake ofLemna minorin comparison with green peas:a randomised trial

Abstract

A high protein content combined with its enormous growth capacity make duckweed an interesting alternative protein source, but information about post-prandial responses in humans is lacking. The present study aimed to assess the postprandial serum amino acid profile ofLemna minorin healthy adults incomparison with green peas. A secondary objective was to obtain insights regarding human safety. A total of twelve healthy volunteers participated inarandomised, cross-over trial. Subjects received two protein sources in randomised order with a 1-week washout period. After an overnight fast, subjectsconsumedL. minoror peas (equivalent to 20 g of protein). After a baseline sample, blood samples were taken 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minafter consumption to assess amino acid, glucose and insulin levels. Heart rate, blood pressure and aural temperature were measured before and after con-sumption, and subjects reported on gastrointestinal discomfort for four subsequent days. Compared with green peas, significantly lower blood concentra-tions of amino acids fromL. minorwere observed, indicating lower digestibility.L. minorconsumption resulted in lower plasma glucose and insulin levelscompared with peas, probably due to different glucose content. There were no significant differences concerning the assessed health parameters or thenumber of gastrointestinal complaints, indicating that a single bolus ofL. minor–grown under controlled conditions–did not induce acute adverse effectsin humans. Further studies need to investigate effects of repeatedL. minorintake and whether proteins purified fromL. minorcan be digested more easily