Food for our future: the nutritional science behind the sustainable fungal protein - mycoprotein. A symposium review

J Nutr Sci. 2023 Apr 11:12:e44. doi: 10.1017/jns.2023.29. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Mycoprotein is a well-established and sustainably produced, protein-rich, high-fibre, whole food source derived from the fermentation of fungus. The present publication is based on a symposium held during the Nutrition Society Summer Conference 2022 in Sheffield that explored 'Food for our Future: The Science Behind Sustainable Fungal Proteins'. A growing body of science links mycoprotein consumption with muscle/myofibrillar protein synthesis and improved cardiometabolic (principally lipid) markers. As described at this event, given the accumulating health and sustainability credentials of mycoprotein, there is great scope for fungal-derived mycoprotein to sit more prominently within future, updated food-based dietary guidelines.

Keywords: Fungal protein; Future nutrition; Health; Mycoprotein; Sustainability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Food*
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Nutritional Sciences*

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins