Formulation & evaluation of plant-based RTU protein mix for athletes

¹ M.Sc.student, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur - 515001, India
² Assistant Professor, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur - 515001, India

^* Correspondence author: poojithareddy2629@gmail.com

Abstract

Protein is considered as a key component for the athletes and fitness adherent for their performance enhancement. Athletes chose the animal-based proteins are the source of protein where the bioavailability and digestibility are good, but animal-based protein contains more saturated fat where it leads to the many chronic diseases and also improves weight. To produce meat as protein source from animals it takes more land, water and other resources when compared to the plant-based proteins. The online survey done on the commercial protein mixes it was found that a few cost-effective plant-based protein mixes are available for the Indian fitness adherents and athletes. It was also observed that most of the female athletes and fitness adherent are not meeting the RDA of essential nutrients like iron and calcium which results in low nutritional status and reduced recovery rates. In the present study a sustainable plant-based protein mix was developed which may enhance the athletic performance especially in female athletes by improving muscle mass, muscle recovery, weight management and meeting RDA. The developed mix showed good nutritional profile along with the presence of the essential amino acids and a moderate to high digestibility score of 0.70 in terms of PDCAAS. The mix also exhibited significant (p<0.05) anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The developed mix was also studied for other properties such as water absorption capacity, hygroscopicity, solubility index, bulk density, tapped density and also the swelling index. The solubility index and swelling index were 79.2±1.13 and 4.35±0.21. The product also showed good sensory scores ranging from 7-8 out of 9-point hedonic scale along with shelf stability of 4 months.