In , the U. However, a number of studies indicate that the primary ingredient used to make mycoprotein is a potential allergen, and may cause dangerous reactions if consumed. To create mycoprotein, manufacturers ferment fungi spores along with glucose and other nutrients. According to a review published in Current Developments in Nutrition, mycoprotein:. They cite a number of studies from to indicating that the fungal ingredient used to make mycoprotein is an allergen.
In a CSPI study of reactions associated with mycoprotein, 1, self-reports were collected by a web-based questionnaire. This study points out dangerous reactions to mycoprotein including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They also report that two deaths have been linked to Quorn.
An additional concern is cited in a review. However, that same study also indicated that the incidence of allergic reactions to mycoprotein remains exceptionally low, especially considering an estimated 5 billion servings have been consumed since it first appeared on the market. They both believe that mycoprotein products are safe enough to be sold to the public.
The U. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food approved its use as a commercial food ingredient in While traditional meat substitutes such as tofu and seitan originated in Asia over years ago , technological advancements, such as protein isolation, have made it possible to develop meat alternatives that more closely resemble meat. Some of the more recent meat substitutes use a protein isolation technique that they claim tastes, bleeds, and sears like real meat.
These products include:. Meat alternatives such as mycoprotein and others are important because meat production has been associated with environmental pollution and unsustainable use of resources, including:. Switching to alternative meat sources can reduce our carbon footprint and reclaim needed resources, such as water.
Mycoprotein is a protein made from fungus. However, the health benefits of soya are often disputed: while the oft-heard claim that soya contains oestrogen is a mere myth - rather, it contains phytoestrogens - some studies have suggested that men who consume soya regularly have a lower concentration of sperm. While tofu is unfermented, tempeh is a fermented soya product that has recently become a popular vegetarian meat replacement - soya beans are fermented and then pressed into a compact cake.
It's also been linked to lowering cholesterol, boosting bone health and is considered one of the healthiest plant-based protein sources. At calories per cup, it's quite calorie-dense though. Seitan is a vegan protein source that is typically made from wheat gluten and water.
It also contains the minerals selenium and iron. However seitan is usually processed, and some store-bought versions are high in additives, salt and preservatives. Lambert believes Quorn is a good alternative protein source and it is high in fibre which has been linked to helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Mycoprotein is a good source of calcium , which we need for strong bones and teeth, potassium , a mineral that helps to control the balance of fluids in the body, and phosphorus to help release energy from food.
It also contains some smaller amounts of zinc , needed for wound healing, magnesium , involved in bone health and selenium which helps to support the normal function of the immune system.
Depending on which Quorn product you buy, and therefore what other ingredients have been added, the protein levels will vary from around g per g. Mycoprotein itself is a complete protein as it contains all nine essential amino acids for adults. Depending on the Quorn product you buy, the fibre content will range from around 5gg per g. If you are buying a Quorn burger, for example, then one burger would be one portion size, Quorn mince is then 75g per portion, sausages would be 2 sausages, and 30g or a couple of slices of vegetarian chicken slices is one portion.
Check the individual Quorn products for the recommended portion sizes as it does vary from product to product. There have been some cases of self-reported adverse reactions to mycoprotein-containing foods, where it has caused gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, or in some people an allergic-type reaction including urticaria hives and anaphylaxis. An intolerance is different to an allergic reaction — an allergic reaction may be life-threatening.
Those who are already sensitive to fungi, such as mushrooms, may find that they are sensitive to mycoprotein as well and so this food should be introduced with caution.
Speak to your GP if you are concerned about allergies. Be aware that Quorn products also can contain other allergens such as egg, milk and gluten which are clearly marked on the packets. Visit the NHS website to read more about allergies. A small 8-week trial in was carried out across two groups of people with high cholesterol. One group were fed cookies containing mycoprotein and the other, cookies without mycoprotein.
By the end of the eight weeks those who had consumed the cookies containing mycoprotein had reduced total and LDL bad cholesterol levels.
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