Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Factors affecting the nutritional quality of soya products

  • Soya Protein—Nutrition
  • Published:
Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society

Abstract

The nutritional quality of soya products is determined not only by the quantity and availability of the amino acids which make up the protein of such products, but is also markedly affected by the processing conditions which are employed in their manufacture. The most important factor in this regard is the application of some form of heat treatment which serves to inactivate a number of naturally occurring constituents of the soybean. Although non-toxic in the truest sense of the word, these are substances which can nevertheless elicit adverse physiological responses in animals, and, unless destroyed, can detract from the full nutritional potential of soya protein. The best known and certainly the most studied of these factors are the inhibitors of trypsin and chymotrypsin, enzymes which play a key role in the digestion of proteins in animals. These will be discussed with respect to their possible model of action in vivo, and an attempt will be made to evaluate their nutritional significance in man. Also present in soybeans are several other heat-labile components whose physiological significance is less well understood. These include the phytohemagglutinins (lectins), goitrogens, antivitamins and phytates. Less sensitive to the destruction effects of heat are a number of factors which are capable of producing a wide variety of physiological responses in animals and include saponins, estrogens, oligosaccharides and allergens. Although present in readily detectable quantities, their effect on the nutritional quality of soya protein is questionable. Not to be overlooked is the fact that harsh processing conditions such as excessive heat treatment or extraction under alkaline conditions may lead to the destruction of economic importance at the present time, brief consideration will be given to the possible effects of germination and fermentation on the nutritive quality of the protein resulting from such treatments.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Liener, I.E., and M.L. Kakade, in “Toxic Constituents of Plant Foodstuffs,” edited by I.E. Liener, Academic Press, New York, 1980, pp. 7–71.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Osborne, T.B., and L.B. Mendel, J. Biol. Chem. 32:369 (1917).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Kunitz, M., Science 101:668 (1945).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Rackis, J.J., in “Soybeans: Chemistry and Technology,” edited by A.K. Smith and S.J. Circle, AVI Publishing Co., Westport, CT, 1972, pp. 158–202.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Liener, I.E., H.J. Deuel, Jr., and H.L. Fevold, J. Nutr. 39:325 (1949).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Desikachar, H.S.R., and S.S. De, Science 106:421 (1947).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Westfall, R.J., D.K. Bosshardt and R.H. Barnes, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 68:498 (1948).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Chernick, S.S., S.S. Lepkovsky and I.L. Charikoff, Am. J. Physiol. 155:33 (1948).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Lyman, R.L., and S.S. Lepkovsky, J. Nutr. 62:269 (1957).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Booth, A.N., D.J. Robbins, W.E. Ribelin and F. DeEds, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 104:681 (1960).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Green, G.M., and R.L. Lyman, Ibid. 140:291 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Schneeman, B.O., and R.L. Lyman, Ibid. 142:162 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  13. Lyman, R.L., B. Olds and G.M. Green, J. Nutr. 104:105 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Kakade, M.L., N.R. Simons, I.E. Liener and J.W. Lambert, J. Agric. Food Chem. 20:87 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Kakade, M.L., D.E. Hoffa and I.E. Liener, J. Nutr. 103:1772 (1973).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Green, G.M., B.A. Olds, G. Mathews and R.L. Lyman, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 142:1162 (1973).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Kotter, L.A., A. Palitzsch, H.-D. Belitz and K.-H. Fischer, Die Fleischwirtschaft 8:1063 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  18. Nordal, J., and K. Fossum, Z. Lebensm. Unters. Forsch. 154:144 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Churella, H.R., B.C. Yao and W.A.B. Thompson, J. Agric. Food Chem. 24:393 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Mulne, A., H.J. McCheng and P. Tokarski, Pediatr. Res. 10:358 (Abstr. 342), (1976).

    Google Scholar 

  21. Rackis, J.J., J.E. McGhee and A.N. Booth, Cereal Chem. 52:85 (1975).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Rackis, J.J., J.E. McGhee and M.R. Gumbman, JAOCS 56:162 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Robinson, L.A., W.J. Kim, T.T. White and B. Hadorn, Scand. J. Gastroenterol. 7:43 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Figarella, C., G.A. Hegri and O. Guy, in “Baeyer Symposium V on Proteinase Inhibitors,” edited by H. Fritz, H. Tschesche, L.J. Greene and E. Truscheit, Springer-Verlag, Berlin and New York, 1974, pp. 213–222.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Figarella, C., C.A. Negri and O. Guy, Eur. J. Biochem. 53:457 (1975).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Van Kley, H., C.M. Doub and B.J. Struthers, Presentation at meeting of Am. Pancreatic Assoc., Chicago, IL, Nov. 1979.

  27. Struthers, B.J., J.R. Brielmaier, D.T. Hopkins and H. Van Kley, Fed. Proc. 39:377 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  28. Krogdahl, A., and H. Holm, J. Nutr. 109:551 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Schingoethe, D.J., S.D. Aust and J.W. Thomas, Ibid. 100:739 (1970).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Patten, J.R., J.A. Patten and H. Pope II, Food Cosmet. Toxicol. 11:577 (1973).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Patten, J.R., E.A. Richards and J. Wheeler, Life Sci. 10:145 (1971).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Yen, J.T., A.H. Jensen and J. Simon, J. Nutr. 107:156 (1977).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Kakade, M.L., R.M. Thompson, W.E. Engleslad, G.C. Behrens, R.D. Yoder and F.M. Crane, J. Dairy Sci. 59:1484 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Long, C., in “Biochemists’ Handbook,” D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc. Princeton, NJ, 1961, p. 675.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Collins, J.L., and B.F. Beaty, J. Food Sci. 45:542 (1980).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Jensen, G.R., J.M. Harper and L.A. O’Deen, Ibid. 43:1350 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  37. Borchers, R., L.D. Manage, S.O. Nelson and L.E. Stetson, Ibid. 37:331 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  38. Wang, R.W., and J.C. Alexander, Nutr. Rep. Int. 4:387 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  39. Armstrong, D.L., D.W. Stanley and T.J. Maurice, Am. Chem. Soc. Sym. Ser. 92:147 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Hutton, K., and P.D. Foxcraft, Proc. Nutr. Soc. 34:A49 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  41. Albrecht, W.J., G.C. Mustakas, J.E. McGhee and E.L. Griffin, Cereal Sci. Today 12:81 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  42. Cravioto, R.O., J.G. Guzman and H.G. Massieu, Ciencia (Mexico) 11:81 (1951).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Everson, G., H. Steenbock, D.C. Cederquist and H.T. Parsons, J. Nutr. 27:225 (1944).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Mattingly, J.P., and H.R. Bird, Poult. Sci. 24:344 (1945).

    Google Scholar 

  45. Viswanatha, T., and S.S. De, Ind. J. Physiol. Allied Sci. 5:51 (1951).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Desikachar, H.S.R., and S.S. De, Science 106:421 (1947).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Desikachar, H.S.R., and S.S. De, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 5:285 (1950).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Collins, J.L., and G.G. Sanders, J. Food Sci. 41:168 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Freed, R.C., and D.S. Ryan, Ibid. 43:1316 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  50. Orf, J.H., D.N. Mies and T. Hymowitz, Bot. Gaz. 138:255 (1977).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Freed, R.C., and D.S. Ryan, Cereal Chem. 55:534 (1978).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Pian, J.H.C., Clin. J. Physiol. 4:431 (1930).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Standal, B.R., J. Nutr. 81:279 (1963).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Dean, R.F.A., in “Processed Plant Protein Foodstuffs,” edited by A.M. Altschul, Academic Press, New York, 1958, pp. 205–247.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Kao, C., and R.J. Robinson, Cereal Chem. 55:512 (1978).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Wang, H.L., E.W. Swain, L.L. Wallen and C.W. Hesseltine, J. Nutr. 105:1351 (1975).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Zamora, R.G., and T.L. Veum, Ibid. 109:1333 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Orf, J.H., and T. Hymowitz, Crop Sci. 19:107 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Bajjalieh, N., J.H. Orf, T. Hymowitz and A.H. Jensen, Poult. Sci. 59:328 (1980).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Liener, I.E., Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. 27:291 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Liener, I.E., and J.E. Rose, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 83:539 (1953).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Liener, I.E., and E.G. Hill, J. Nutr. 49:609 (1953).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Liener, I.E., Ibid. 49:527 (1953).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Turner, R.H., and I.E. Liener, J. Agric. Food Chem. 23:484 (1975).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Liener, I.E., Ibid. 22:17 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Patton, A.R., H.S. Wilgus, Jr., and G.S. Harshfield, Science 89:162 (1939).

    Google Scholar 

  67. Block, R.J., R.H. Mandl, H.W. Howard, C.D. Bauer and D.W. Anderson, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 93:15 (1961).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Van Wyk, J.J., M.B. Arnold, J. Wynn and F. Pepper, Pediatrics 24:752 (1959).

    Google Scholar 

  69. Hydowitz, J.D., New Engl. J. Med. 62:351 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  70. Federal Register, Label statements relating to infant food, 36:23555 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  71. Anderson, D.W., Proc. Conf. Soybean Products for Protein in Human Foods, Peoria, IL, 1961, pp. 166–174.

  72. Suwa, J., T. Koyanagi and S. Kimura, J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 25:309 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Filisetti, T.M.C.C., J.M. Filho, U.M.L. Marquez and F.M. Lajolo, Rev. Farm. Bioquim. Univ. Sao Paulo 15:93 (1977).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Lajolo, F.M., and T.M.C.C. Filisetti, Presentation at meeting Inst. Food Technol., St. Louis, MO, 1979, (Abstr. 21).

  75. Konijn, A.M., S. Edelstein and K. Guggenheim, J. Sci. Food Agric. 23:549 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Konijn, A.M., B. Gershon and K. Guggenheim, J. Nutr. 103:378 (1973).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Van Middlesworth, L., Endocrinology 61:570 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  78. Beck, R.N., Ibid. 62:587 (1958).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Halverson, A.W., M. Zepplin and E.B. Hart, J. Nutr. 38:115 (1949).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Shepard, T.H., G.E. Page, J.F. Kirschvink and M. McLean, J. Am. Diet. Assoc. 37:270 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  81. Kimura, S., J. Sawa, M. Ito and H. Sato, Gann 67:763 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Carlson, C.W., H.C. Saxena and L.S. Jensen, J. Nutr. 82:507 (1964).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Jensen, L.S., and F.R. Mraz, Ibid. 88:249 (1966).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Fisher, H., P. Griminger and P. Budowski, Z. Ernahrungswiss. 9:271 (1969).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Murillo, E., and J.K. Gaunt, Presentation at First Chemical Congress of the North American Continent, Mexico City, 1975 (Abstr. 155).

  86. Edelstein, S., and K. Guggenheim, J. Nutr. 100:1377 (1970).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Edelstein, S. and K. Guggenheim, Brit. J. Nutr. 24:735 (1970).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. O’Dell, B.L., in “Soy Protein and Human Nutrition,” edited by H.L. Wilcke, D.T. Hopkins and D.H. Waggle, Academic Press, New York, 1979, pp. 187–207.

    Google Scholar 

  89. Davis, N.T., and H. Reid, Brit. J. Nutr. 41:579 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  90. Momcilovic, B., B. Belonje, A. Grioux and B.G. Shah, J. Nutr. 106:913 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Forbes, R.M., K.E. Weingarten, H.M. Parker, R.R. Bell and J.W. Erdman, Jr., Ibid. 109:1652 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Van Stratum, P.G., and M. Rudrum, JAOCS 56:130 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  93. Naim, M., B. Gestetner, S. Zilkah, Y. Birk and A. Bondi, J. Agric. Food Chem. 22:806 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Bickoff, E.M., A.L. Livingston, A.P. Hendrickson and A.N. Booth, Ibid. 10:410 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  95. Knuckles, B.E., D. deFremery and G.O. Kohler, Ibid. 24:1177 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. Lookhart, G.L., P.L. Finney and K.F. Finney, Cereal Chem. 56:495 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  97. Carter, M.W., G. Matrone and W.G. Smart, Jr., J. Nutr. 55:639 (1955).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  98. Carter, M.W., W.G. Smart, Jr., and G. Matrone, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 84:506 (1953).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Matrone, G., W.G. Smart, Jr., M.W. Carter, V.W. Smart and H.W. Garren, J. Nutr. 59:235 (1956).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Magee, A.D., Ibid. 80:151 (1963).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Ishaaya, I., Y. Birk, A. Bondi and Y. Tencer, J. Sci. Food Agric. 20:433 (1969).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Rackis, J.J., D.H. Honig, D.J. Sessa and F.R. Steggerda, J. Agric. Food Chem. 18:977 (1970).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Steggerda, F.R., E.A. Richards and J.J. Rackis, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 121:1235 (1966).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  104. Calloway, D.H., C.A. Hickey and E.L. Murphy, J. Food Sci. 36:251 (1971).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Gitzelmann, R., and S. Aurricchio, Pediatrics 36:231 (1965).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  106. Sugimoto, H., and J.P. van Buren, J. Food Sci. 35:655 (1970).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Smiley, K.L., D.E. Hensley and H.J. Gasdorf, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 31:615 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Sugimoto, H., and J.P. van Buren, J. Food Sci. 35:655 (1970).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Thananunkul, D., M. Tamaka and C.O. Chichester, Ibid. 41:173 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  110. Hansen, O.K., German Patent 2,524,753 (1975).

  111. Dasek, J., D. Shepherd and R.D. Wood, Belgium Patent 872,336 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  112. East, J.W., T.O.M. Nakayama and S.B. Parkman, Crop Sci. 12:7 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  113. Kim, W.J., C.J.B. Smit and T.O.M. Nakayama, Lebensm. Wiss. Technol. 6:201 (1973).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  114. Adjei-Turim, J.C., W.E. Splittstroesser and J.S. Vandemack, Hort. Sci. 11:235 (1976).

    Google Scholar 

  115. Hern, K.E. Cited in Chem. Abstr. 85:139816u (1976).

  116. Omosiye, O., M. Cheryan and M.E. Mathews, J. Food Sci. 43:354 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  117. Hymowitz, T., and F.I. Collins, Agron. J. 66:239 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  118. DeGroot, A.P., and P. Slump, J. Nutr. 98:45 (1969).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  119. Woodward, J.C., O.D. Short, M.R. Alvarez and J. Reyniers, in “Protein Quality of Foods and Feeds,” edited by M. Friedman, Marcel Dekker, New York, 1975, pp. 595–618.

    Google Scholar 

  120. DeGroot, A.P., P. Slump, L. Van Beek and V.J. Feron, in “Evaluation of Proteins for Humans,” edited by C.E. Bodwell, AVI Publishing Co., Westport, CT, 1975, pp. 270–283.

    Google Scholar 

  121. Struthers, B.J., R.R. Dahlgren, D.T. Hopkins and M.L. Raymond, in “Soy Protein and Human Nutrition,” edited by H.L. Wilcke, D.T. Hopkins and D.H. Waggle, Academic Press, New York, 1979, pp. 235–259.

    Google Scholar 

  122. Van Beek, L., V.J. Feron and A.P. deGroot, J. Nutr. 104:1630 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  123. Sternberg, M., C.Y. Kim and F.J. Schwende, Science 190:992 (1975).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  124. Robbins, K.R., D.H. Barker and J.W. Finley, J. Nutr. 110:907 (1980).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  125. Finley, J.W., and G.O. Kohler, Cereal Chem. 56:130 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  126. Catsimpoolas, N., in “Immunological Aspects of Foods,” edited by N. Catsimpoolas, AVI Publishing Co., Westport, CT, 1977, pp. 37–59.

    Google Scholar 

  127. Kori, B., and R, Djurtoft, Ann. Nutr. Aliment. 31:183 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  128. Crawford, L.V., J. Roane, F. Triplett and A.S. Hanissian, Ann. Allergy 23:303 (1965).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  129. Ratner, B., S. Untracht, L.V. Crawford, H.J. Malone and M. Retsina, Am. J. Dis. Child 89:187 (1955).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  130. Cook, C.D., New Engl. J. Med. 263:1076 (1960).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  131. Mortimer, E.Z., J. Pediatrics 58:90 (1961).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  132. Mendoza, J., J. Meyers and R. Snyder, Pediatrics 46:774 (1970).

    Google Scholar 

  133. Ament, M.E., and C.E. Rubin, Gastroenterology, 62:227 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  134. Powell, G.K., J. Pediatrics 88:840 (1976).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  135. Mathiensen, R.P., and W. Braun, Deut. Med. Woch. 43:2175 (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  136. Shibasaki, M., S. Suzuki, S. Tajima, H. Nemoto and T. Kuroume, Int. Arch. Allergy Appl. Immunol. 61:441 (1980).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  137. Moroz, L.A., and W.H. Yang, New Engl. J. Med. 302:1126 (1980).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  138. Duke, W.W., J. Allergy 5:300 (1934).

    Google Scholar 

  139. Perlman, F., Food Technol. 20:62 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  140. Barrett, M.E.J., P.J. Strachan and P. Porter, Proc. Nutr. Soc. 38:143 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  141. Barrett, M.E.J., P.J. Strachan and P. Porter, Clin. Exp. Pathol. 31:305 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  142. Kilshaw, P.J., and J.W. Sissons, Res. Vet. Sci. 27:361 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  143. Kilshaw, P.J., and J.W. Sissons, Ibid. 27:366 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  144. Sissons, J.W., R.H. Smith and D. Hewitt, Brit. J. Nutr. 42:477 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  145. Goulding, N.J., M.J. Gibney, P.J. Gallagher, D.B. Jones, J.B. Morgan and T.G. Taylor, Proc. Nutr. Soc. 39:2A (1980).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, 55108, St. Paul, MN

    I. E. Liener

Authors
  1. I. E. Liener
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

About this article

Cite this article

Liener, I.E. Factors affecting the nutritional quality of soya products. J Am Oil Chem Soc 58, 406–415 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02582390

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02582390

Keywords

Search

Navigation