Mycoprotein: environmental impact and human health benefits
General Medicine, 2023, 25(2), 58-61.
I. Miteva1, V. Valtchev2
1 Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Sofia
2 Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Vasil Levski National Sports Academy – Sofia
Abstract. The term mycoprotein refers to a protein-rich food made from the biomass of filamentous fungi that can be consumed as an alternative to meat. The purpose of this review is to summarize the scientific data published in the last two decades reporting on mycoprotein. This article examines the dietary, human health and environmental impact of replacing meat of animal origin with mycoprotein. Currently, mycoprotein can be found in a number of supermarkets in various forms. Expansion into other markets depends on cost reduction. Although scarce, the results of life-cycle analyzes of mycoprotein indicate that this meat substitute causes an environmental impact similar to that of chicken and pork. The purpose of this study is to inform physicians of the potential of mycoprotein for improvements in blood cholesterol concentration and glycemic response. Methods: Analysis and summary of refereed articles included in globally recognized scientific databases. In conclusion, mycoprotein reduces energy intake and insulin release in overweight volunteers.
Key words: mycoprotein, alternative protein, meat substitute, human health, life cycle analysis
Address for correspondence: Assoc. Prof. Iva Miteva, DM, e-mail: i.miteva@foz.mu-sofia.bg