Role of mycoprotein as a non-meat protein in food security and sustainability: a review

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition is increasing across the globe owing to urbanization, poverty, and climatic changes. In the current circumstances, alternative and unexplored sources of food and nutrients are getting attention. The current sources of food cannot meet the ever-increasing population demand. The demand for animal-source protein is estimated be double due to a projected 50% rise in the world population by the year 2050. Moreover, global animal protein supply chains are not only vulnerable to natural disasters but also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Mycoprotein is considered an excellent alternative to animal protein due to its amino acid profile and cost-effectiveness. Mycoprotein is produced by Fusarium venenatum, a naturally occurring fungus that can be used as a substitute for conventional animal protein sources. Mycoprotein is high in protein and fiber while low in cholesterol, fat, sugar, and salt. Mycoprotein offers excellent functional and therapeutic potential in mitigating various health disorders. Furthermore, it helps maintain muscle synthesis and optimal plasma and cholesterol levels, regulating insulin, glucose, and satiety. This review is focused on the mycoprotein’s origin and production, with a particular emphasis on its nutritional, health, and economic opportunities and challenges.

KEYWORDS:

• Food security
• mycoprotein
• nutrition
• therapeutic potential
• cost-effective

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Government College University Faisalabad for providing literature collection facilities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Informed consent

For this type of study, formal consent is not required.

Data availability statement

Even though adequate data has been given in the form of tables and figures, however, all authors declare that if more data is required then the data will be provided on a request basis.

Credit authorship contribution statement

Farhan Saeed and Muhammad Afzaal proposed this idea and drafted the initial manuscript. Armaghan Khalid, Yasir Abbas Shah, Arslan Shoukat, Huda Ateeq, Fakhar Islam, Gulzar, and Afaf helped in preparing figures and tables and the overall quality of the manuscript.

Consent to participate

Corresponding and all the co-authors are willing to participate in this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript