Characterization, functional and biological value of protein-enriched defatted meals from sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) and chocho (Lupinus mutabilis)

A deficit in protein intake can severely halt children growth, and is associated with both structural and functional pathologies of the brain, as well as increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases. Protein-enriched defatted meals from sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) (sdSI) and chocho (Lupinus mutabilis) (sdCH) were obtained by a solvent defatting procedure. The concentration of protein was higher in sdSI (64%) than in sdCH (60%). Lysine and tryptophan were the limiting amino acid (AA) in each case. However, the AA profile of the protein meals met daily intake FAO requirements for adults, while their blends met the requirements for infants. The sdSI had an in vitro digestibility of 100. Regarding functional properties, sdSI presented higher values for water absorption index (3.5), emulsifying activity (56%), and foaming capacity (167%), while the sdCH had a slightly better oil absorption capacity (2.8). However, when mixing sdSI with sdCH some improvements in functional properties were observed. The nutritional and functional properties of the mixtures of meals can be used to develop protein-enriched foods and beverages.