Dietary Fibre in Pea Cotyledon Used as a Protein Source Provides Multidimensional Protection Against Colonic Protein Putrefaction

Background/Objectives: Substitution of plant-based for animal-based protein sources has been recommended to reduce global non-communicable disease burdens, including colorectal cancer.

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine possible ways that pea cotyledon may modulate hindgut concentrations of protein putrefaction products implicated in colorectal cancer by comparing diets based on casein, meat or pea cotyledon in a rat model.

Method

Rats (n = 8 per treatment) were fed for 9 days on 18.6% protein diets containing casein, meat, or yellow split peas as sole protein sources. Faecal samples were collected daily from day 6 onwards and gut samples post-mortem for analysis. Protection by hindgut contents against protein putrefaction products was assessed using a novel secondary in vitro fermentation of the rat faeces with human faecal inoculum and added protein.