Application of Rapeseed Meal Protein Isolate as a Supplement to Texture-Modified Food for the Elderly

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Nutritional Science
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• Rapeseed meal (RSM) is an underutilized by-product of rapeseed oil extraction.
• Biorefining offers a method to extract valuable proteins from RSM for high-end applications.
• Texture-modified (TM) foods are needed for elderly individuals with mastication and dysphagia issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate RSM protein isolate as a supplement in TM foods for the elderly.
• To assess the impact of RSM protein isolate on the nutritional and sensory properties of TM chicken, carrots, and bread.
• To explore the potential of RSM as a sustainable protein source in the food industry.

Main Methods:

• Rapeseed protein isolate was incorporated at 5% (w/w) into TM chicken breast, carrots, and bread.
• Compositional analysis included macronutrients (Official Methods of Analyses) and minerals/trace elements (ICP-OES).
• Nutritional and sensory evaluations were conducted on supplemented and unsupplemented TM foods.

Main Results:

• RSM protein isolate supplementation improved nutrient density, increasing proteins by 20-40% and minerals by 10-16% in TM chicken and bread.
• Sensory properties of supplemented TM chicken and bread were either maintained or enhanced.
• Supplemented TM carrots showed high nutrient density but limited sensory acceptability, indicating a need for formulation adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Texture modification combined with RSM protein isolate supplementation positively impacts the nutritional and sensory profiles of food for seniors.
• RSM protein isolate presents a sustainable and valuable novel protein source for the food sector, aligning with resource management and healthy aging goals.
• Further formulation optimization is needed to improve the sensory acceptance of RSM-supplemented TM carrots.