Inorganic Characterization of Feeds Based on Processed Animal Protein Feeds.

The potential of utilizing inorganic constituents in processed animal proteins (PAPs) for species identification in animal feeds was investigated, with the aim of using these constituents to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products. This study aimed to quantify the inorganic content across various PAP species and assess whether inorganic analysis could effectively differentiate between PAP species, ultimately aiding in the identification of PAP fractions in animal feeds. Four types of PAPs, namely bovine, swine, poultry, and fish-based, were analyzed and compared to others made up of feathers of vegetal-based feed. Also, three insect-based PAPs (Cricket, Silkworm, Flour Moth) were considered in this study to evaluate the differences in terms of the nutrients present in this type of feed. Ionic chromatography (IC) was used to reveal the concentrations of NO3-, NO2, Cl-, and SO42-, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to detect Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Si, Sr, Ti, and Zn. The application of multivariate chemometric techniques to the experimental results allowed us to determine the identification capability of the inorganic composition to identify correlations among the variables and to reveal similarities and differences among the different species. The results show the possibility of using this component for discriminating between different PAPS; in particular, fish PAPs are high in Cd, Sr, Na, and Mg content; swine PAPs have lower metal content due to high fat; feathers and vegetal feed have similar Al, Si, and Ni, but feathers are higher in Fe and Zn; and insect PATs have nutrient levels comparable to PAPs of other origins but are very high in Zn, Cu, and K.

Effects of physical processing on food protein allergenicity: A focus on differences between animal and alternative proteins.

In recent years, physical technologies have been widely employed to reduce food protein allergenicity due to their simplicity and stability. This paper summarizes recent research advances in these technologies, focusing on differences in their effects on allergenicity between animal and alternative proteins. The mechanisms of allergenicity reduction and the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies were compared. It was found that heating, although affording better allergenicity reduction than non-thermal treatment technologies, affects other properties of the food. Because of their higher molecular weights and more complex structures, animal proteins are less affected by physical technologies than alternative proteins. It is worth noting that there is a scarcity of existing technology to reduce the allergenicity of food proteins, and more technologies should be explored for this purpose. In addition, better allergenicity-reducing processing technologies should be designed from the perspectives of processing conditions, technological innovations, and combined processing technologies in the future.

Simultaneous Determination of Animal Products from Ruminant, Pig, Poultry, and Fish in Feedingstuff by Targeted High-Resolution LC-MS/MS.

The prohibition of processed animal proteins (PAPs) has been relaxed gradually since 2007. The official control method for PAPs in feedingstuff, a combination of light microscopy (LM) followed by PCR, is no longer sufficient. Thus, a targeted LC-MS/MS method was developed, which enables a tissue-specific distinction between egg and dairy products, gelatine, and PAPs derived from blood or muscle tissue of the species ruminants, pigs, poultry, and fish. Tissue-specific proteins were analyzed after tryptic digestion to peptides with high-resolution ESI-QTOF-MS. A targeted method was developed based on untargeted proteomics approaches and the selection of specific peptides (45 unique peptides in total). Proficiency testing of blank and spiked samples revealed excellent results for trueness and selectivity. Furthermore, sensitivity was achieved at a level of 0.1% (w/w) for assessed peptides. Summing up, the developed method seems to be suitable for routine analysis after verification by ring trials.

Plant and animal protein mixed systems as wall material for microencapsulation of Manuka essential Oil: Characterization and in vitro release kinetics.

Combination of plant and animal protein diet is becoming a valuable source of nutrition in the modern diet due to the synergistic functional properties inherent in these protein complexes. Moreover, the synergy between animal and plant proteins can contribute to the high stability and improved solubility of the encapsulated bioactive ingredients (e.g., essential oils). Therefore, the study was designed to evaluate the plant (pea protein (PP) and lupine protein (LP)) and animal protein (whey protein, WP) mixed systems as a wall material for microencapsulation of manuka essential oil, as an example of bioactive compound. Moreover, physicochemical properties and in vitro release profile of encapsulated manuka essential oil were studied. Manuka essential oil microcapsules exhibited low moisture content (5.3-7.1 %) and low water activity (0.33-0.37) with a solubility of 53.7-68.1 %. Change in wall material ratio significantly affected the color of microcapsules, while microcapsules prepared with 1:1 protein/oil ratio demonstrated a high encapsulation efficiency (90.4 % and 89.4 %) for protein mixed systems (PP + WP and LP + WP), respectively. Microcapsules further showed low values for lipid oxidation with a high oxidative stability and antioxidant activity (62.1-87.0 %). The zero order and Korsmeyer-Peppas models clearly explained the release mechanism of encapsulated oil, which was dependent on the type and concentration of the protein mixed used. The findings demonstrated that the protein mixed systems successfully encapsulated the manuka essential oil with controlled release and high oxidative stability, indicating the suitability of the protein mixed systems as a carrier in encapsulation and application potential in development of encapsulated functional foods.

ANN based prediction of ligand binding sites outside deep cavities to facilitate drug designing.

The ever-changing environmental conditions and pollution are the prime reasons for the onset of several emerging and re-merging diseases. This demands the faster designing of new drugs to curb the deadly diseases in less waiting time to cure the animals and humans. Drug molecules interact with only protein surface on specific locations termed as ligand binding sites (LBS). Therefore, the knowledge of LBS is required for rational drug designing. Existing geometrical LBS prediction methods rely on search of cavities based on the fact that 83% of the LBS found in deep cavities, however, these methods usually fail where LBS localize outside deep cavities. To overcome this challenge, the present work provides an artificial neural network (ANN) based method to predict LBS outside deep cavities in animal proteins including human to facilitate drug designing. In the present work a feed-forward backpropagation neural network was trained by utilizing 38 structural, atomic, physiochemical, and evolutionary discriminant features of LBS and non-LBS residues localized in the extracted roughest patch on protein surface. The performance of this ANN based prediction method was found 76% better for those proteins where cavity subspace (extracted by MetaPocket 2.0, a consensus method) failed to predict LBS due to their localization outside the deep cavities. The prediction of LBS outside deep cavities will facilitate in drug designing for the proteins where it is not possible due to lack of LBS information as the geometrical LBS prediction methods rely on extraction of deep cavities.

Research Progress on New Functions of Animal and Plant Proteins.

Protein is composed of peptides, essential nutrients for human survival and health, and the easy absorption of peptides further promotes human health. According to the source of the protein, it can be divided into plants, animals, and micro-organisms, which have important physiological effects on the health of the body, especially in enhancing immunity. The most widely used raw materials are animal protein and plant protein, and the protein composition formed by the two in a certain proportion is called "double protein". In recent years, China's State Administration for Market Regulation has issued an announcement on the "Implementation Rules for the Technical Evaluation of New Functions and Products of Health Foods (Trial)", which provides application conditions and listing protection for the research and development of new functions of health foods. At present, some researchers and enterprises have begun to pay attention to the potential of animal and plant proteins to be used in new functions. In this article, the research progress of animal and plant proteins in the new functions of Chinese health food is reviewed in detail, and suggestions for future research on animal and plant proteins are put forward.

Fish Meal Substitution Effects with the Combined Animal Proteins in the Feeds of Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) on Growth Performance, Feed Availability, and Disease Resistance against Streptococcus iniae.

This study aims to reveal the substitution impact of fish meal (FM) with the combined meat meal and chicken by-product meal (CMC) in the olive flounder (P. olivaceus) feeds on growth and feed availability. Seven experimental feeds were formulated. The control (CMC0) diet included 65% FM. In the CMC0 diet, the various (10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) levels of FM were replaced with CMC, named as the CMC10, CMC20, CMC40, CMC60, CMC80, and CMC100 diets, respectively. The total number of 525 juvenile fish (9.2 ± 0.01 g; mean ± SD) was placed into 21 50-L flow-through tanks (25 juveniles/tank) with three replicates. Fish were hand-fed to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. After the 8-week feeding experiment, olive flounder fed the CMC10 (40.0 ± 0.60 g/fish, 2.99 ± 0.021%/day, and 39.57 ± 0.542 g/fish; mean ± SD), CMC20 (47.3 ± 2.58 g/fish, 3.24 ± 0.082%/day, and 45.16 ± 0.760 g/fish), and CMC40 (40.2 ± 1.17 g/fish, 3.00 ± 0.040%/day, and 39.43 ± 0.930 g/fish) diets attained superior (p < 0.0001 for all) weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed consumption compared to olive flounder fed the CMC0 (35.1 ± 0.96 g/fish, 2.81 ± 0.039%/day, and 33.75 ± 0.544 g/fish), CMC60 (31.7 ± 1.62 g/fish, 2.66 ± 0.068%/day, and 31.60 ± 1.080 g/fish), CMC80 (24.7 ± 0.63 g/fish, 2.33 ± 0.033%/day, and 25.27 ± 0.689 g/fish), and CMC100 (17.8 ± 0.32 g/fish, 1.92 ± 0.021%/day, and 18.99 ± 0.592 g/fish, respectively) diets. Weight gain, SGR, and feed consumption of olive flounder fed the CMC60 diet were comparable to olive flounder fed the CMC0 diet. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio of olive flounder fed the CMC60 diet (1.02 ± 0.007 and 1.79 ± 0.034) were comparable to fish fed the CMC0 diet (1.04 ± 0.012 and 1.85 ± 0.021, respectively). None of the plasma and serum measurements, proximate composition, amino acid profiles, or survival of olive flounder after S. iniae infection were influenced by dietary treatments. In conclusion, CMC can substitute FM up to 60% (39% FM protein in the diet) without deteriorating growth performance, feed availability, or the survival of fish after S. iniae infection.

Recent advances in the exploration and discovery of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from edible animal proteins.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is spreading worldwide. Although the COVID-19 epidemic has passed its peak of transmission, the harm it has caused deserves our attention. Scientists are striving to develop medications that can effectively treat COVID-19 symptoms without causing any adverse reactions. SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides derived from animal proteins have a wide range of functional activities in addition to safety. Identifying animal protein sources is crucial to obtaining SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from animal sources. This review aims to reveal the mechanisms of action of these peptides on SARS-CoV-2 and the possibility of animal proteins as a material source of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides. Also, it introduces the utilization of computer-aided design methods, phage display, and drug delivery strategies in the research on SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor peptides from animal proteins. In order to identify new antiviral peptides and boost their efficiency, we recommend investigating the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory peptides from animal protein sources and non-structural proteins (Nsps) using a variety of technologies, including computer-aided drug approaches, phage display techniques, and drug delivery techniques. This article provides useful information for the development of novel anti-COVID-19 drugs.

Dual cryoprotective and antioxidant effects of young apple polyphenols on myofibrillar protein degradation and gelation properties of bighead carp mince during frozen storage.

Commercial cryoprotectants can delay quality loss in frozen fish mince, but they are associated with a sweet taste and high calorie content. Young apple polyphenols (YAP), extracted from unripe apples, show potential as an alternative cryoprotectant. This study evaluated the cryoprotective effect of YAP at varying levels (0.3%, 0.7%, and 1%) in unwashed bighead carp mince. The changes in sulfhydryl content, carbonyl content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, intrinsic fluorescence intensity, and Fourier transform infrared spectrum indicated that YAP retarded oxidation and structural changes in myofibrillar proteins during the first 8 weeks of frozen storage, as well as lipid oxidation, which protected the structure of myofibrillar protein. At higher concentrations (0.7% and 1%), YAP maintained gel properties, gel springiness, and water-holding capacity of the gel prepared from frozen fish mince, potentially through the promotion of cross-linking of myofibrillar proteins. Overall, YAP can be used as a cryoprotectant and antioxidant in fish mince. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Our research found that young apple polyphenols have the potential to be an alternative to commercial cryoprotectants. Young apple polyphenols may be used as a sugar-free and healthy cryoprotectant for frozen fish mince production in the future.

Animal and plant-based proteins have different postprandial effects on energy expenditure, glycemia, insulinemia, and lipemia: A review of controlled clinical trials.

Dietary proteins have been shown to stimulate thermogenesis, increase satiety, and improve insulin sensitivity in the short and long term. Animal-based proteins (AP) and plant-based proteins (PP) have different amino acid profiles, bioavailability, and digestibility, so it seems to have various short- and long-term effects on metabolic responses. This review aimed to compare the findings of controlled clinical trials on postprandial effects of dietary Aps versus PPs on energy expenditure (EE), lipemia, glycemia, and insulinemia. Data are inconclusive regarding the postprandial effects of APs and PPs. However, there is some evidence indicating that APs increase postprandial EE, DIT, and SO more than PPs. With lipemia and glycemia, most studies showed that APs reduce or delay postprandial glycemia and lipemia and increase insulinemia more than PPs. The difference in amino acid composition, digestion and absorption rate, and gastric emptying rate between APs and PPs explains this difference.

Effects of Animal and Vegetable Proteins on Gut Microbiota in Subjects with Overweight or Obesity.

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the balance between host health and obesity. The composition of the gut microbiota can be influenced by external factors, among which diet plays a key role. As the source of dietary protein is important to achieve weight loss and gut microbiota modulation, in the literature there is increasing evidence to suggest consuming more plant proteins than animal proteins. In this review, a literature search of clinical trials published until February 2023 was conducted to examine the effect of different macronutrients and dietary patterns on the gut microbiota in subjects with overweight and obesity. Several studies have shown that a higher intake of animal protein, as well as the Western diet, can lead to a decrease in beneficial gut bacteria and an increase in harmful ones typical of obesity. On the other hand, diets rich in plant proteins, such as the Mediterranean diet, lead to a significant increase in anti-inflammatory butyrate-producing bacteria, bacterial diversity and a reduction in pro-inflammatory bacteria. Therefore, since diets rich in fiber, plant protein, and an adequate amount of unsaturated fat may help to beneficially modulate the gut microbiota involved in weight loss, further studies are needed.

Challenges related to the application of analytical methods to control insect meals in the context of European legislation.

Since their approval for use in aquaculture in 2017, processed insect proteins have been extensively studied for their nutritional quality in animal feed. This new type of meal is highly promising but requires, as for other products used in animal feed, strict sanitary control in accordance with European legislation. Within this legal framework, light microscopy and PCR remain the official methods but have some analytical limitations that other methods could overcome. This paper aims to provide an overview of the European legislation concerning use of processed insect proteins, but also to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the official methods for their analysis. It also points out other analytical methods, which have already proved their worth for the analysis of processed animal proteins, which could be used as complementary methods.

Consumers' Preferences for Chicken Fed on Different Processed Animal Proteins: A Best-Worst Analysis in Italy.

The increase in meat consumption expected in the next decade will require more and more proteins for animal feeding. The recent amendments to the European "BSE Regulation" allow the use of insects and porcine-based meals in poultry farming, providing novel, sustainable substitutes for vegetable fodder. While the technological and nutritional properties of novel feeds containing processed animal proteins are widely recognized, far less is known about consumers' acceptance of meat produced by animals fed on animal-based meals. In the present research, a best-worst survey was applied to estimate consumers' preferences for chicken fed on plants, insects, or porcine-based meals using a sample of 205 Italian consumers. Furthermore, product price, type of farming, and "Free-from" labeling were considered in the analysis to evaluate the relative importance of feed ingredients compared to other important attributes of meats. The results show that the most relevant attributes are type of farming and "Free-from" claims, while type of feed represents the third attribute in order of importance. Notably, both insect and porcine flour are considered as negative characteristics of the product, suggesting that mandatory labeling signaling the use of these feeds would negatively impact on the value of chicken meat.

The use of animal by-products in a circular bioeconomy: Time for a TSE road map 3?

In 2005 and 2010, the European Commission (EC) published two subsequent 'Road Maps' to provide options for relaxation of the bans on the application of animal proteins in feed. Since then, the food production system has changed considerably and demands for more sustainability and circularity are growing louder. Many relaxations envisioned in the second Road Map have by now been implemented, such as the use of processed animal proteins (PAPs) from poultry in pig feed and vice versa. However, some legislative changes, in particular concerning insects, had not been foreseen. In this article, we present a new vision on legislation for increased and improved use of animal by-products. Six current legislative principles are discussed for the bans on animal by-products as feed ingredients: feed bans; categorization of farmed animals; prohibition unless explicitly approved; approved processing techniques, the categorization of animal by-products, and monitoring methods. We provide a proposal for new guiding principles and future directions, and several concrete options for further relaxations. We argue that biological nature of farmed animals in terms of dietary preferences should be better recognised, that legal zero-tolerance limits should be expanded if safe, and that legislation should be revised and simplified.

Optimization and validation of a quick and responsive LC-ESI-MS/MS method to evaluate tetracycline residues in processed animal proteins (PAPs).

Following the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2001, processed animal proteins (PAPs) reintroduction is envisaged in non-ruminant feed thanks to their high protein content, easy availability and cost-effective characteristics. PAPs must be submitted to rendering practices, providing sterilization of products, under standardized conditions of temperature and pressure, according to Regulation (EC) No 142/2011. However, the chemical risk associated to these raw materials has been never evaluated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a reliable liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination and quantification of tetracycline residues in PAPs at µg kg-1 level. The LC-MS/MS method performances were evaluated in terms of specificity, linearity (25-500 µg kg-1), limit of quantitation (LOQ) (25 µg kg-1), accuracy and precision (CV% < 25%), uncertainty, recovery (80-120%) and ruggedness. All the evaluated parameters fulfilled the analytical performance criteria, and the validated LC-MS/MS method fits for purpose as confirmatory method on the occurrence of residues (µg kg-1) of tetracyclines in PAPs. PAPs are a powerful product which could be used both as raw materials in feed and in organic fertilizer production in a circular economy context. Therefore, the lack of regulation and control over antibiotic occurrence should be implemented to avoid a misuse and an increment of antibiotic resistance pressure over the environment and to ensure safety of the feed and food chain.

Preliminary Data on Essential and Non-essential Element Occurrence in Processed Animal Proteins from Insects.

Insects represent a valuable and environmentally friendly protein alternative in food and feed. The Farm to Fork strategy encouraged the reintroduction of animal by-products in feed production to optimise recycling and to valorise under-used resources. In order to grant safe and valuable feed products, this study investigated the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) chemical risk. Samples collected in different steps of production (8 samples of substrate for culturing, 7 samples of larvae, 15 samples of protein meal, 18 samples of spent substrate) were analysed for microessential elements (chromium, copper, iron, nickel, selenium and zinc) and inorganic contaminants (aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, tin and vanadium) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Microessential elements were found in the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr (mg kg-1). Non-essential element concentrations were found lower than the set limits according to the European Union Regulations. The growing demand for alternative protein sources for feed production could be partially compensated by black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) meal, as it appears a good source for high-quality proteins and microessential elements which play a pivotal role in animal growth. In the foreseeable future the current legislation and the official monitoring plans may be implemented and broaden, to focus and assess limits for upcoming matrices, and to ensure feed and food safety.

Development and application of criteria for classification of hydrolysed proteins in the framework of feed safety.

In the view of a circular economy, there is an increasing need for (re-)using animal by-products that have a wide range of applications and sufficient safety. Hydrolysates of animal proteins (HPs) are frequently used as feed ingredients. Nevertheless, clear criteria for legal use and methods for monitoring feed applications are not available. Here, a range of methods have been used and evaluated for characterizing a set of 26 samples of hydrolysed proteins, 'hydrolysed' feather meals and processed animal proteins (PAPs), with verification based on an additional set of eight samples. Methods included determination of ash content, sediment (mineral fraction) content, protein content, species identity, solubility, protein solubility, size exclusion chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). After a comparison of results obtained with water and SDS, water was chosen as the solvent for environmental and occupational reasons. Typical HP samples have a protein content higher than 60%, a solubility exceeding 50% and a virtual absence of a mineral fraction. The first discrimination between HPs and PAPs could be based on the absence or presence, respectively, of a mineral fraction. An approach for HP characterization is designed using a Hydrolysation Index (HI) based on the fraction of peptides smaller than 10 kDa, the solubility of the sample and the fraction of soluble proteins. A simplified version (HIs), exclusively based on the fraction of peptides smaller than 10 kDa and the solubility of the sample, shows a trend among the samples highly comparable to HI. Values for HI and HIs exceeding 60% would characterise HPs. Feather meals, which are heat treated instead of treatment by a chemical process of hydrolysation, range among the PAPs and should not be indicated as "hydrolysed." The HIs can be used as an easy parameter for classifying HPs and for legal enforcement.

Towards the Identification of a Suitable Commercial Diet for Carpione (Salmo carpio, Linnaeus 1758): A Multidisciplinary Study on Fish Performances, Animal Welfare and Quality Traits.

Carpione (Salmo carpio, Linnaeus 1758) is an endangered precious endemism of Lake Garda (Northern Italy), the largest Italian lake. To date, several bottlenecks about its culture remain unsolved, including the identification of a proper growth-out diet. The aim of the present study was to test four different grossly isolipidic, isoproteic, and isoenergetic diets in which the main ingredients had a different origin. Specifically, a diet currently used by local farmers for carpione culture, largely based on marine ingredients, was used as control (CTRL), while the other three diets were formulated by partially replacing marine ingredients with plant ones (VEG) or with different percentages of processed animal proteins (PAP1 and PAP2). The feeding trial was run in triplicate, over a three-month period. No significant differences in growth performance among the experimental groups were observed. However, remarkable histological alterations and inflammatory markers upregulation were observed in VEG group, while PAP inclusion played a role in attenuating inflammation and improving nutrient uptake. Fillet analyses highlighted significant differences in marketable traits and flesh fatty acid composition among the experimental groups, including the reduction of polyunsaturated fatty acids related to PAPs inclusion. In conclusion, PAPs used in the present study promoted S. carpio gut health and absorption capacity, while further studies are required to maintain proper quality traits of the final product.

COVID-19 epidemic lockdown-induced changes of cereals and animal protein foods consumption of Iran population: the first nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 epidemic has affected diverse issues of life including economy, health and nutrition. This nationwide study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the epidemic lockdown-induced socio-economic changes on animal source proteins and cereals intakes of Iran population for the first time. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study using a web-based electronic self-administered questionnaire. A questionnaire was designed with the aim of detecting any changes in the dietary pattern of the Iranian household following coronavirus epidemic. RESULTS: A total of 21,290 households participated in the study. Approximately 33%, 24%, 14.2% and 7% of the households had decreased the weekly consumption of red meat, white meat, eggs and rice/bread, respectively, following COVID-19 epidemic. The results of ordered logistic regression showed that the female-headed households, as compared with male-headed ones, were 30% more likely to decrease their weekly consumption of white meat (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.5). About 8.6% of the households had reduced all three major dietary sources of animal protein. Close to half of the households (46.9%) who decreased their intake of the animal protein sources had increased their intake of rice or bread, too. The major reasons for these changes were decrease of income and job loss. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, animal protein food consumption decreased during epidemic lockdown but the amounts of rice and bread, as the major sources of dietary energy, have increased. These changes, if persist long enough, can seriously affect micronutrient status of the whole population. Early nutritional interventions for needy families are warranted.

Association between plant and animal proteins intake with lipid profile and anthropometric indices: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Results of studies on the effects of plant and animal proteins on lipid profile are controversial. So we aimed to assess the relationship between plant and animal protein intake with lipid profile and novel anthropometric indices in healthy individuals. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 236 participants have selected from Shiraz medical centers (Iran) through random cluster sampling. Food intakes were assessed using a 168-items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) were measured. Anthropometric indices including a body shape index (ABSI), abdominal volume index (AVI), buddy roundness index (BRI), and conicity index (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: In the crude and fully adjusted models, more consumption of plant proteins was associated with TG levels (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.08, 4.95; P = 0.03 and OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.03, 5.15; P = 0.04). Also, there was a significant direct association between plant proteins and BRI in the curd model (OR = 3.55; 95% CI: 1.32, 9.54; P = 0.01), and after adjusting for age and energy intake (OR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.21, 9.14; P = 0.01). More consumption of plant proteins was related to higher CI in the crude model (OR = 3.06; 95% CI: 1.12, 8.31; P = 0.03), but not in the fully adjusted model. CONCLUSION: We found that a higher intake of plant proteins was associated with a higher TG level, BRI, and CI index. However, more research is needed to confirm these relations and provide the evidence needed to exert these findings into clinical practice.