The goal of this study is to determine the protein quality of soybean tempeh in the form of chips. The main objective of this study is to determine how much methionine in tempeh can be used by reproductive-age women using the stable isotope method. The tempeh will be studied in the form of chips.
This research is being done to bridge the gap between the knowledge of protein requirements and the amount of food needed to meet those requirements. Results from this study will be important to confirm the protein quality of tempeh and thus provide a new alternative good protein source for humans, especially vegetarians and those with low socioeconomic status.
Each participant will undergo seven experimental trials randomly. During four experimental trials, methionine intake will be obtained from a crystalline amino acid mixture, and during another three experimental trials, it will be obtained from tempeh chips. Each experimental trial will take three days, consisting of two adaptation days and one study day. During the two adaptation days, four equal meals per day will be consumed by the participants at their own place. On the study day, participants will need to come to the research unit of the National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur campus, to consume nine hourly meals. In addition, during the study day, participants will also need to have their breath samples collected, their expired carbon dioxide rate measured, and consume a stable isotope.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kuala Lumpur campus female students and staffs aged 19 - 30 years old
Malaysian
Have consistent weight in the past 6 months
Have a normal body fat percentage (20% - 29.9%)
Pregnant women
Lactating women
Reported serious medical or surgical ailments 3 months prior to start of the study
On dietary or nutrient supplements or who had taken antibiotics 4 weeks before the initiation of the study
National University of Malaysia
Lead sponsor
International Atomic Energy Agency
Collaborator