• Chickpeas
• Dry Beans
• Lentils
• Peas
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Pulse Science Cluster

Objective

To compare pulse protein fractions versus whey protein, casein, soy protein on protein digestibility and amino acid appearance using the dynamic stomach model TIM-1, to compare pulse-based products (extruded cereals, snacks, and bagels) versus control on glucose absorption using the TIM-1 model system and validate the in vitro results by comparing the data to the human clinical trial outcomes.

Outcome

The overall objective of the project was to assess the nutritional quality of pulse products using a stomach model system and thereby answer some of the preliminary research questions that can be used to develop future multi-year projects. The specific objectives were: a) comparison of pulse protein fractions versus whey protein, casein, soy protein on protein digestibility and amino acid appearance using the dynamic stomach model, b) a comparison of pulse-based products (extruded cereals, snacks and bagels) versus control on glucose response using the TIM-1 model system (represents the gastrointestinal tract from stomach through small intestine) and validate the in vitro results by comparing the data to the human clinical trial outcomes. In order to test the pulse products in performance of glycemic response lowering and starch digestibility, the products were digested using an artificial stomach model located at the Richardson Centre For Fuctional Foods and Nutraceuticals. It is a computer controlled dynamic model of the human digestive tract. The automated system simulates the physiological processes and conditions within the gastrointestinal tract. To evaluate the protein quality of the products, test products were milled and used in all analyses. Protein digestibility was determined using the TIM-1 system. Proximate analyses, including dry matter, protein/fat/fibre content were performed using approved methodology. Results: - A method to evaluate the protein digestibility and glycemic response of different pulse products using a dynamic stomach model was optimised in TIM1 - The experiments to assess the effect of pulse processing on their protein digestibility were done using the dynamic stomach model (TIM1). - The effect of pulse inclusion in cereal products on glycemic control was done using the dynamic stomach model (TIM1). The obtained results were compared to the results human clinical trials to assess robustness of the dynamic stomach model. The effect of pulse processing on their starch digestibility was done using the dynamic stomach model (TIM1). Note: data analysis was still in progress at the conclusion of the project.