Antinutrients in Plants: A Review of Their Functions in Human and Animal Nutrition
Melaku Tafese Awulachew*
Food Science & Nutrition Research, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Ethiopia.
*Corresponding Author
Melaku Tafese Awulachew,
Food Sscience and Nutrition Research Directorate, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Tel: 0924621018
E-mail: melakutafese12@gmail.com
Received: April 28, 2022; Accepted: May 31, 2022; Published: June 30, 2022
Citation: Melaku Tafese Awulachew. Antinutrients in Plants: A Review of Their Functions in Human and Animal Nutrition. Int J Food Sci Nutr Diet. 2022;11(3):598-608.
Copyright: Melaku Tafese Awulachew© 2022. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Abstract
Nutrition is well known to be one of the most important factors influencing the efficacy, efficiency, and evolution of livestock
systems. The main challenges in ruminant production today are lowering feed costs and improving product quality. Feeding
costs and environmental impact may be reduced by using unconventional feedstuffs such as browse and shrubs. A variety of
food choices are made in the pursuit of a sustainable green and healthy lifestyle. As a result, providing reliable, comprehensive,
and up todate information about food content, including both nutritional and anti-nutritional elements, is critical. Nutrients
have been linked to improvements in human health. Antinutrients, on the other hand, are much less popular among today's
man. They're highly bioactive, capable of both harmful and beneficial health effects in humans, and they're abundant in plantbased
foods. These compounds, which can be natural or synthetic in origin, interfere with nutrient absorption and may be
responsible for some nefarious nutrient absorption effects. Nausea, bloating, headaches, rashes, nutritional deficiencies, and
other symptoms can be caused by a large amount of antinutrients in the body. Antinutrients include tannins, saponins,phytates,
oxalates, and lectins, to name a few. Antinutrients have a negative impact on human health, and science has identified several
ways to mitigate this. To provide food with lower anti-nutritional levels, mechanical, thermal, and biochemical approaches work
together. The goal of this review was to summarize antinutrient availability, clarify their effects on the human body, and remember
potential ways to disable them. This review includes references to the available literature as well as a systematic overview
of the most recent research on plant-based anti-nutrients as well as clear their effect and Methods lessen their negative impact.
2.Introduction
3.Materials and Methods
4.Results and Discussions
5.Conclusions
6.References
Keywords
Anti-Nutritional Factors; Plant-Based Foods And Feeds; Role In Human And Animal Nutrition; Metabolic Products And Biochemical Approaches.
Introduction
Nutrition is well known as one of the most important factors
influencing the efficacy, efficiency, and evolution of livestock
systems. Despite the fact that the world produces enough food
to feed everyone, more than 800 million people go to bed hungry
every night [1]. Additionally, malnutrition and hunger-related
diseases account for more than 60% of all deaths [2]. One of
humanity's most fundamental challenges is eradicating hunger
and malnutrition. Furthermore, food sufficiency is not the most
important factor; food nutritional quality, as well as the effects of
the accepted food portion, are crucial. From this perspective, the
topic of the current review, antinutrients, raises important questions
about human health and contributes to a better understanding
of what people eat and the potential consequences.
Antinutritional factors are compounds or substances of natural
or synthetic origin that interfere with nutrient absorption, reducing
nutrient intake, digestion, and utilization, as well as producing
other negative effects. Antinutrients are naturally synthesized
in plants and are frequently associated with plant-based, raw, or
vegan diets [3]. Nausea, bloating, headaches, rashes, nutritional
deficiencies, and other symptoms can be caused by a large number
of antinutrients in the body. On the other hand, when consumed
wisely, such chemical compounds can clearly benefit humanity.
Plants, in fact, primarily use antinutrients to defend themselves.
Despite the fact that people's sensitivity to antinutrients varies
greatly, adequate food processing is initially advised to reduce
antinutritional factors. Antinutrients cannot be removed from
the body once they have been ingested. The correlation between
symptoms and effects on human health can be cleared by removing and reintroducing specific foods that contain antinutrients.
The biochemical effects of anti-nutritional factors are of particular
interest in this regard. The majority of secondary metabolites
that act as anti-nutrients cause extremely harmful biological responses,
whereas others are widely used in nutrition and as pharmacologically
active agents [4].
Antinutrients are most abundant in grains, beans, legumes, and
nuts, but they can also be found in the leaves, roots, and fruits of
some plant varieties. Phytates, tannins, lectins, oxalates, and other
antinutrients found in plant-based foods are the most common.
Antinutrients in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts are
only a problem if a person's diet consists entirely of raw plant
foods. By binding with calcium, oxalate, for example, prevents
calcium from being absorbed in the body. Oxalates are commonly
found in raw spinach, kale, broccoli, and soybeans. Excessive tannin
consumption, such as that found in tea, wine, some fruits, and
chocolate, may inactivate enzymes involved in protein absorption.
Phytates can be found in grains, nuts, and seeds, while lectins can
be found in peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes. Consumption of
phytates can reduce mineral absorption, and lectins can cause a
variety of reactions in the body [5]. Saponins, on the other hand,
have been linked to the destruction of red blood cells, the inhibition
of enzymes, and the intervention of thyroid function [6].
Antinutritional factors can be combated in a variety of ways.
Certain allergens and antinutrients in food could be reduced using
modern biotechnology techniques. Based on nuclease-based
forms of engineering such as the Transcription Activator-Like
Effector Nucleases or the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short
Palindromic Repeats/Associated Systems, genome editing biotechnology
can create mutations and substitutions in plant and
other eukaryotic cells. Antinutrient effects can be influenced positively
by increasing prebiotic levels in the body. Thermal treatment
of the product, such as extrusion, autoclaving, hydrotechniques,
enzymatic and harvest treatments, and so on, is a common
method for removing antinutrients [7].
The main challenges nowadays in ruminant production are to
reduce feeding cost, improve products quality and diminish the
impact of production on environment. The use of unconventional
feedstuffs may contribute to decrease feeding cost and
environmental impact through reduced methane emissions as
well. Not only that, but shrubby plants can be used to combat
desertification, mitigating the effect of drought, allowing soil
fixation an enhancing the restoration of the vegetation and the
rehabilitation of rangelands. In the meantime, browsing tree foliage
plays an important role in ruminant feeing systems in many
tropical and Mediterranean environments around the world [8].
They are chiefly as good, cheap sources of nitrogen and energy,
which may reduce feeding cost and raise sheep productivity in
arid and semiarid zone [9]. So, to reach that goal, it must exploit
all that is available either unconventional feedstuffs or browse and
shrubs. However, the problems of feeding such plants or shrubs
(Acacia, Leucaena and Atriplex) that they had different levels of
anti-nutritional factors.
Foods and feeds' nutritional value is largely determined by their
nutritional and antinutritional composition. The goal of this review
was to summarize the availability of antinutrients, explain
their effects on the animal and human body, and remember potential
ways to disable them.
Methods
This review report was created by searching the literature for
Anti-nutritional factors; Plant-based foods and feeds; Role in human
and animal nutrition; metabolic products and biochemical
approaches utilizing available scientific information and relevant
literatures. The logical term operant was used to find objects that
matched terms in a search.
Antinutritional Factors
Overview of Antinutritional factors
Anti-nutritional factors (Anti-nutrients) are substances that, when
present in human and animal food and feed or water, reduce the
availability of one or more nutrients, either directly or through
their metabolic products.
Toxic substances of natural origin can be classified based on their
chemical properties and on the basis of their effect on utilization
of nutrients. (A) According to their Chemical Properties (Group
I: Proteins (Protease inhibitor and Haemagglutinins (Lectins);
Group II: Glycosides (Saponins; Cyanogens; Glucosinolates
(Goitrogens) or Thioglucosides; Group III: Phenols (Gossypol
and Tannins) and Group IV: Miscellaneous or Antimetals and
Antivitamins) and (B) On the basis of antinutrients they affect
directly or indirectly: 1. Substances depressing digestion or
metabolic utilization of proteins: Protease inhibitor (Trypsin and
Chymotrypsin inhibitor), Haemagglutinins (Lectins), Saponins,
polyphenolic components; 2. Substances reducing solubility or
interfering with the utilization of minerals: Phytic acid, Oxalic
acid, Glucosinolates (Thioglucosides), Gossypol; 3. Substances
increasing the requirements of certain vitamins: Anti-vitamin (A,
D, E, K), Anti-vitamin (B1, B6, B12) and nicotinic acid; and 4.
Substances with a negative effect on the digestion of carbohydrates:
Amylase inhibitors, Phenolic compounds, Flatulence factors).
Generally, Anti-nutritional factors are chemical constituents
which impair the digestion and absorption of some interesting
components (e.g. minerals, proteins, vitamins), or, in some cases,
they are simply toxic or cause undesirable physiological side effects
(e.g. flatulence). The presence of these antinutritional compounds
in plant based foods and feeds is therefore considered
one of the limitations to an increased utilization of the grain as
food as well as feed sources.
Antinutrients in Plant based foods
Phytates: Phytates can be found in a variety of vegetable products.
Phosphorus is stored in the husks of seeds, grains, nuts, and
legumes as phytic acid in the form of phytin or phytate salt. Their
presence may affect mineral bioavailability, as well as protein and
carbohydrate solubility, functionality, and digestion [10]. The bran
of grains contains the highest concentration of phyticacid [11].
Phytic acid is found in the cotyledon layer of legumes and can be
removed before eating. The digestive enzyme phytase can release
phosphorus from phytic acid storage. In the absence of phytase,
phytic acid can bind to other minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium,
and calcium, preventing them from being absorbed [12].
As a result, highly insoluble salts are produced, which are poorly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in lower mineral
bioavailability. Pepsin, trypsin, and amylase are all digestive enzymes
that are inhibited by phytates [13].
Lectins: Lectins are non-immune proteins or glycoproteins that
are particularly abundant in plants. They have the ability to bind
to carbohydrates or glyco-conjugates without modifying them
(glycoproteins, glycolipids, polysaccharides). They can successfully
recognize animal cell carbohydrates, which is related to the
Latin word legere, which means "to choose" [14]. Lectins serve a
number of purposes. By breaking down the surface of the small
intestine, they can bypass the human defense system and travel all
over the body, causing diseases (such as Crohn's disease, Coeliac-
Sprue, colitis, and so on). The gut wall develops holes and intestinal
permeability when large amounts of lectins are introduced
into the body, resulting in leaky gut syndrome.
Lectins can cause the pancreas to release insulin or cause cells to
act as if they have been stimulated by insulin. By presenting incorrect
immune system codes and stimulating the growth of some
white blood cells, lectins can also cause autoimmune diseases [15].
This could cause cancer, but lectins have not yet been identified
as a cancer-causing agent.
Not all lectins are poisonous or cause damage to the intestine.
Wheat, beans, quinoa, peas, and other plant species contain lectins.
Birds have been found to be resistant to grains lectins because
grains are a common part of their diet [16]. Consumption
of lectins has been linked to acne, inflammation, migraines, and
joint pains. Because lectins are usually found in the hull, eating
white rice reduces your lectin intake. The amount of lectins in
plant sources can be significantly reduced by heating them during
the cooking process. When compared to sweet potatoes, white
potatoes have a higher lectin content [17]. Almonds are also a better
source of lectins than peanuts.
Trypsin Inhibitors: Trypsin inhibitors can be found in a variety
of foods, including chickpeas, soybeans, red kidney beans, adzuki
beans, mung beans, and other Leguminoseae, Solanaceae, and
Gramineae members. Grain legumes provide ten percent of the
world's dietary protein. The loss of trypsin and chymotrypsin in
the gut as a result of trypsin inhibitors prevents protein digestion.
The release of cholecystokinin triggered by trypsin inhibitors
causes excessive trypsin synthesis and a burden on sulfur containing
amino acids in the body's requirements [18].
Alpha-amylase Inhibitors: Inhibition of - amylase is a strategy
for treating carbohydrate uptake disorders, as well as dental caries
and periodontal diseases, by lowering insulin levels. Amylase inhibitors
are chemical compounds that bind to alpha amylases and
render them inactive. Alpha-amylase inhibitors have been found
to have two functions. Inhibitors have two functions: one is to
protect the seed from microorganisms and pests, and the other
is to inhibit the endogenous -amylase [19]. However, due to the
inhibitor's instability in the gastrointestinal tract and the fact that
it's a very heat-sensitive constituent, it can't be used as a starch
blocker [20]. It's used to treat type 2 diabetes in humans and has a
number of applications in the food industry.
Protease Inhibitors: Proteases are enzymes that regulate cell
processes and are found in all cells and tissues. Raw cereals and
legumes, particularly soybeans, are high in protease inhibitors.
Protease inhibitors bind reversibly or irreversibly to their target
proteins. Antinutrient activity of protease inhibitors is linked to
growth inhibition, pancreatic hypertrophy [21], and poor food
utilization [10]. Exopeptidases cleave peptides within the molecule,
whereas endopeptidases remove amino acids from the C- or
N-terminus. Grain-eating birds' digestive enzymes have evolved
to be resistant to grain protease inhibitors. High levels of protease
inhibitors cause the pancreas to secrete more digestive enzymes in
human volunteers and animal experiments [22].
Tannins: Plant tannins are a type of antioxidant polyphenol
found in foods and beverages that has piqued researchers' interest
due to its multiple health benefits. Tannins are flavan-3-ol oligomers
and flavan-3, 4-diol oligomers found in the bran fraction of
legumes [23]. This water-soluble polyphenol is abundant in grapes
and green tea. Tannins have antinutritional properties, preventing
the body from absorbing beneficial bioavailable substances
and impairing the digestion of various nutrients. Tannins can also
bind to proteins and shrink them. Because of the protein substrate
and ionisable iron interaction, tannin-protein complexes
may cause digestive enzyme inactivation and protein digestibility
reduction [24].
Goitrogens: Because the thyroid gland is highly sensitive to stress
and environmental stimuli, hypothyroidism is on the rise worldwide
[25]. Goitrogens block iodine absorption, affecting thyroid
function. Goitrogen-rich foods include vegetables from the genus
Brassica, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts,
and kale. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels are affected
by cruciferous vegetable consumption, resulting in hypothyroidism
[26]. Insufficient water consumption and protein malnutrition
can be concomitant factors.
Raffinose Oligosaccharides: Sucrose is used to make raffinose,
stachyose, and verbascose, which are all Raffinose Family
Oligosaccharides (RFOs). Non-digestible oligosaccharides have a
prebiotic effect in the lower intestine by promoting the growth
of pathogenic-inhibiting bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and
Lactobacillus [27]. Humans are unable to digest RFOs and allow
them to pass through the intestinal wall intact due to a lack of
appropriate enzyme activity to hydrolyze RFOs (-galactosidase)
[28]. A link has been drawn between the consumption of legumes
and the likelihood of intestinal discomfort, which manifests as
symptoms such as burping, abdominal pain, and bloating [28].
The presence of RFO in one's daily diet can cause problems with
nutrient digestion. RFO can reduce the amount of metabolizable
energy and protein used.RFO removal has been shown to
improve the digestion of all amino acids, thereby increasing the
nutritional value of the lupin diet [29].
Saponins: Some saponins (steroid or triterpene glycoside compounds)
are edible, but others are poisonous. Saponins with a bitter
taste are toxic at high concentrations and can interfere with
nutrient absorption by inhibiting enzymes (metabolic and digestive)
and binding to nutrients like zinc. Saponins are organic compounds
that have a variety of biological effects. Saponins have a
strong hypocholesterolemic effect in the presence of cholesterol
[30]. They can also cause hypoglycemia [31], as well as impair protein
digestion, vitamin and mineral absorption in the gut, and the
development of a leaky gut [32].
Exorphins: Gliadins, which are alcohol-soluble proteins (proal imins) found in cereal grains and dairy products, can be further
degraded in the gastrointestinal tract to form a collection of
opioid-like polypeptides known as exorphins [33]. The bioactivity
of food-derived exorphins can affect behavioral traits such as
spontaneous behavior, memory, and pain perception. Exorphins
can also have an effect on gastric emptying and intestinal transit
by lengthening it. Exorphins derived from alpha-casein are produced
during milk digestion [34]. According to recent research,
milk-derived opiate peptides' epigenetic effects may contribute to
gastrointestinal dysfunction and inflammation in sensitive individuals
[35].
Contextual Antinutrients: Antinutrient reactions can occur
when certain supplements or foods high in certain nutrients are
consumed. Calcium-rich foods, for example, can obstruct iron absorption.
During the absorption process in/on the intestinal epithelium,
zinc and copper have a mutual antagonistic relationship
[36]. When added to nonfat foods, phytosterols and phospholipids
may reduce cholesterol absorption, according to research.
Some foods can make it difficult to absorb medications [37].
Grapefruit and a variety of drugs is the most well-known fooddrug
interaction. Drug-metabolizing enzymes are inactivated by
bergamottin, which is found in grapefruit juice.
Food interaction warnings are listed on some medical labels for
this reason. Resveratrol, found in red wine and peanuts, inhibits
platelet aggregation, according to studies, and high doses may increase
the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant
drugs. Black tea was found to be a more powerful enzyme inhibitor
than single-ingredient herbal teas (St. John's Wort, feverfew,
cat's claw, and so on) by Canadian researchers [38]. Foods
containing tyramine (chocolate, beer, wine, avocados, and so on)
and mono-amine oxidase inhibitors (a type of antidepressant) are
another well-known food-drug interaction. Vitamin K-rich foods
(e.g. broccoli, spinach) and Coumadin, an anticoagulant prescribed
to thin the blood and prevent clots, have the most medically
significant food-drug interaction [39].
Oxalates: Antinutritional properties can be found in some organic
acids. Oxalic acid can be converted to oxalates, which are
soluble (potassium and sodium) or insoluble (calcium, magnesium,
iron) salts or esters found in plants (e.g. leafy vegetables) or
synthesized in the body [40]. Once processed through the digestive
system, insoluble salts cannot be processed out of the urinary
tract. By forming kidney stones, calcium oxalate can have
a negative impact on human nutrition and health. Foods high in
oxalates include cruciferous vegetables (kale, radishes, cauliflower,
broccoli), chard, spinach, parsley, beets, rhubarb, black pepper,
chocolate, nuts, berries (blueberries, blackberries), and beans [41].
Most people can consume normal amounts of oxalate-rich foods,
but people with conditions like enteric and primary hyperoxaluria
must limit their oxalate intake. Small amounts of oxalates can
cause burning in the eyes, ears, mouth, and throat in sensitive
people, while large amounts can cause abdominal pain, muscle
weakness, nausea, and diarrhea [42]. Some food sources with the
typical antinutrients contained in them as well as the amounts
variables are mentioned Table 1 below.
Antinutrients in animal feeds
Protease inhibitor: Soyabean, kidney bean, and mung bean
seeds, for example, have the ability to inhibit the proteolytic activity
of certain digestive enzymes [57]. Protease inhibitors are
concentrated in the cotyledon mass's outer layer. There are two types of protease inhibitors: kunitz inhibitors (which only inhibit
trypsin) and Bowman-birk inhibitors (which inhibit all proteases)
(inhibits trypsin and Chymotrypsin) [58].
Because the inhibitory substances are mostly heat labile, the protease
inhibitors can be inactivated with proper heat treatment [59].
Some nutrients, such as amino acids and vitamins, can be damaged
by excessive heat [60]. To assess the adequacy of heat treatment,
quality control tests have been developed. Trypsin inhibitor
and urease assays are two examples. Soybean trypsin inhibitor
reduces the amount of methionine available in raw soybeans. The
pancreas of young chickens fed raw soybean developed hypertrophy.
Large animal species such as pigs, dogs, and calves do not
have pancreatic hypertrophy or hyperplasia [60].
Temperature, heating duration, particle size, and moisture level
are all important factors in trypsin inhibitor destruction. The
trypsin inhibitory activity of solvent extracted SBM was destroyed
by autoclaving under the following conditions or by exposing it to
steam for 60 minutes [60]. Duration: 5 psi for 45 minutes, 10 psi
for 30 minutes, and 15 psi for 20 minutes [61].
Haemagglutinins (Lections): Soybean Haemagglutinins are
found in castor bean (ricin) and other legume seeds. Both plant
and animal tissue contain these. These toxic substances can combine
with the glycoprotein components of red blood cells (RBC),
causing the cells to agglutinate [60]. Ricin is highly toxic, causing
severe inflammatory changes in the intestines, kidneys, thyroid
gland, and other organs. Lectins are resistant to pancreatic
juice digestion and dry heat destruction, but they are destroyed
by steam [6].
Saponins: These are bitter-tasting glycosides that form in aqueous
solution and in haemolyse RBC. They have the ability to
form complexes with sterols, including those found in animal cell
plasma membranes. Saponins are less important for monogastric
animals in general because their levels are low in most common
feed ingredients [60].
Their toxicity is linked to their ability to reduce ruminant surface
tension. Lucerne, soybean, and other common forages can cause
saponin poisoning in livestock. The saponin content of the leaves
is twice that of the stems on average, and the saponin content decreases
as the plant ages [60, 62]. Excess feeding of green lucerne
or legume forages saponins lower the surface tension of ruminal
contents leading to accumulation of gas, condition is known as
“bloat” This is also known as tympany/tympnitis.
The presence of saponins has been cited as one of the factors
responsible for the formation of foam in the rumen, which traps
gas in the rumen contents, preventing animals from belching it
out. As a result of the rumen distension, blood flow is obstructed,
and anorexia develops, resulting in respiratory failure.
Turpentine and paraffin oil can help with bloat, and ruminants
should be fed 1 to 2 kg dry fodder before letting them out on
legume pastures or before overfeeding green legume fodders as a
preventative measure [60, 61].
Cyanogens: Cyanide can be found in trace amounts in plants,
primarily in the form of cyanogenic glycoside. The glucoside is
non-toxic in intact tissues of plants. These glycosides can be hydrolyzed
into prussic acid or hydrocyanic acid (HCN) by an enzyme
found in the same plant or by animals as they digest them.
Microbial activity in the rumen can cause this reaction [60].
The HCN is quickly absorbed and some of it is exhaled, but the
majority of it is quickly detoxified in the liver by conversion to
thiocyanate. Excess cyanide ion can cause anoxia in the central
nervous system, deactivating the cytochrome oxidase system and
resulting in death in a matter of seconds [60].
Amygdalin (Almonds), Dhurrin (Jowar and other immature grasses),
and Linamarin (Pulses, Linseed, and Cassava) are the three
distinct glycosides (Glycoside Plant source).
Because the enzyme required for the release of HCN is destroyed
in horses and pigs by the gastric HCI, ruminants are more susceptible
to HCN poisoning than horses and pigs [60].
Sheep are more susceptible than cattle. Jowar, sudan fodder, and
linseed: after a period of drought, heavy trampling, or physical
damage from frost, etc., new growth may develop toxic levels of
HCN. Heavy nitrate fertilization followed by a lot of rain or irrigation
could make these crops more susceptible to HCN poisoning.
To avoid HCN poisoning, it is best to avoid feeding immature
jowar green fodder. Animals that have shown no signs of toxicity
may be injected: I/V with 3.0 g sodium nitrate and 15.0 g sodium
thiosulphate in 200 ml H2O for cattle; I/V with 1.0 g sodium nitrate
and 2.5 g sodium thiosulphate in 50 ml H2O for sheep [60].
Glucosinolates: These substances are found in most cruciferae
plants (cabbage, turnips, rutabaga, rapeseed, and mustard green).
The pungent flavors found in plants belonging to the genus Brassica
are due to these glucosinolates [60]. Their primary biological
effect is to suppress thyroid hormone (Thyroxine, T4) and triodothyronine
(T3) synthesis, resulting in goiter.
Goiter is caused by the hydrolysis products of glucosinolates, not
by the glucosinolates themselves.
The glucosinolates are found in the root, stem, leaf, and seed, and
they are always accompanied by the enzyme myrosinase (thioglucosidase),
which can hydrolyze them into thiocyanates, glucose,
acid sulphate, isothiocyanates, or nitriles depending on pH. In the
presence of myrosinase, these volatile isothiocyanates cyclize to
vinyloxazolidinethione, which is potently goitrogenic [60].
These result in decreased iodine uptake, thyroid gland enlargement,
and liver damage. In chicks and pigs, growth depression
and enlargement of the liver and kidneys have also been observed.
In comparison to pigs and poultry, ruminants appear to
be less susceptible to the toxic effects of glucosinolates [60]. This
is most likely due to the rumen's glucosinolates being relatively
unhydrolyzed. Myrosinase is found not only in the plant and the
seed, but also in intestinal bacteria, which have glucosinolate hydrolysis
enzyme systems. Inactivation of myrosinase in the seed is
not an appropriate way to eliminate the antinutritional effects of
glucosinolates due to the presence of myrosinase in the intestine.
Rapeseed cultivars with high or low glucosinolate levels are available.
In Canada, double-zero cultivars were created [60].
Gossypol: Gossypol is found in the pigment glands of leaves,
stems, roots, and seeds of the genus Gossypium. These pigments can be found in two forms: free and as a gossypol-protein complex.
Monogastric animals are highly toxic to it. Pigs and rabbits
are more sensitive to pesticides than chickens. Horses are resistant,
but ruminants are more resistant due to the formation of
stable, enzymatically resistant complexes with soluble protein in
the rumen [60].
Gossypol forms complexes with metals such as iron, and the toxic
effect can be mitigated by taking ferrous sulphate as a supplement
[62]. Gossypol is found in whole cotton seeds in amounts ranging
from 1.09 to 1.53%, with the free form accounting for 0.19
percent.
The physiological effects of free gossypol are: educed appetite,
loss of body weight, accumulation of fluid in the body cavities,
cardiac irregularity, and reduced oxygen carrying capacity of the
blood (reduced haemoglobin content), adverse effect on certain
liver enzymes, Decreased egg size and decreased egg hatchability.
Free gossypol content of 0.06% depresses growth in chicks while
0.1% causes severe effect. In laying hens, 0.15% free gossypol
reduced egg production [60].
• In laying hens: 0.15% free gossypol reduced egg production.
Egg yolk will have an olive green colour. Further higher levels
cause yellow brown pigments in liver and spleen due to destructive
effect on red blood cells [60].
• In pigs: A dietary level 0.01% reduced growth rate while 0.015%
showed toxic symptoms. New varieties of cotton seed: less than
0.01% total gossypol (0.002% in the free form) are available [60].
Commercial production of cottonseed meal: heat treatment: decreases
the content of free gossypol. The availability of lysine is
reduced because of the interaction of the aldehyde groups of
gossypol with the amino group of lysine.
Tannins: There are two types of polyphenolic substances: A. Hydrolysable
tannins: These are tannins that can be easily hydrolyzed
by water, acids, bases, or enzymes to produce gallotannins and
ellagitannins. B. Flavonoids (polymers of flavonol): Condensed
tannins are flavonoids (polymers of flavonol). Tannins, both hydrolysable
and condensed, are found in abundance in nature [60].
Tannin content of various feedstuffs: 20 to 10% sorghum, 9.0
to 12 percent salseed meal, 5.0 to 7% mangoseed cake, 2.5 to 3.5
percent mustard oil cake, and 0.1 to 3.0% lucerne meal Tannins
are astringent, which makes them unpalatable [60]. They cause a
dry mouth sensation by reducing the lubricant action of the glycoproteins
in the saliva.
Tannin bind the proteins and are thus inhibitors of proteolytic
enzymes. High tannin content also depresses cellulose activity and
thus affects digestion of crude fibre. So tannins reduce the digestibility
of protein and dry matter. Sorghum contains high levels of
condensed tannins. Most of the tannins are locate in seed coats.
Decortication of seeds will reduce the tannin content. Germination
of legumes also result a decrease in the tannin content [60].
Tannins: in some tree leaves: form complexes with plant proteins:
increasing the amount of plant protein bypassing the rumen.
When the tannin-protein complexes are dissociated in the low
pH of the abomasums, an additional source of protein is made
available, but in some cases, the tannins protect the proteins from
digestion even in the small intestine [60].
Tannins: protein availability: - beneficial effect (increasing by pass
protein), detrimental effect (depressing palatability, decreasing rumen
ammonia, decreasing postruminal protein absorption)
Tannins suppress:methanogenesis by reducing methanhogenic
populations in the rumen:- either directly or by reducing the protozoal
population thereby reducing methanogens symbiotically
associated with the protozoal population [60].
Tannin sources containing both hydrolysable tannins and condensed
tannins are more potent in suppressing methanogenesis
than those containing only hydrolysable tannins.
Phytic acid: The 6 alcoholic groups of inositol are combined
with 6 molecules of hexaphosphonc acid to form phytic acid. As
a result, it's known as inositol hexaphosphoric acid. It can form
simple salts or mixed salts, as well as metabolic or protein complexes,
due to the large number of phosphoric acid radicals present
[60].
Salts of sodium and potassium are soluble. Even at pH 3-4, calcium,
iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, and lead salts (phytates) are
insoluble [60].
Phytate phosphorus is a poor phosphorus source. Phytic acid is
abundant in cereal seeds, dried legumes, oilseeds, and nuts. The
rind (pericarp + aleurone layer) and the embryo have higher
phytic concentrations than the core (endosperm). Phytin P accounts
for about 67 percent or more of the P in cereal grains;
non-ruminant availability of P from plant feeds is less than 33
percent. More than 80% of the P comes from inorganic mineral
supplements and animal sources. Because phytin is incompletely
broken down in the digestive tract of poultry, pigs, and horses,
PP is less effective than the inorganic form. Breakdown of PP by
dietary phytase and microbial phytase.
Addition of the enzyme phytase to the ingredients of vegetable
origin can increase phosphorus digestibility. Phytase produced by
rumen microorganisms makes phytin phosphorus available to ruminants.
Phytic acid depresses the utilization of several mineral
elements such as Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, etc. It forms insoluble compounds
which are eliminated in the faeces [60].
Oxalic acid: Oxalic acid is abundant in plant foods. Animalbased
foods contain a small amount of oxalic acid.
Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid (COOH)2 that exists in both
free and salt form. Plants contain the majority of oxalic acid in
the form of soluble oxalates (potassium, sodium and ammonium
oxalates) [60].
Within the cells, 10-20 percent oxalic acid appears as insoluble calcium
and magnesium oxalate. The leaves are more nutrient-dense
than the rest of the plant. Young leaves, on average, contain fewer
nutrients than mature leaves. An increase in the proportion of
calcium oxalate is associated with the aging and overripening of
vegetables. Cattle fed paddy straw and napier, bajra, and grasses
(2 percent oxalate) develop a calcium deficit [60]. Many soluble
oxalic acid and, to a lesser extent, its calcium salts are decomposed
by rumen microflora (Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, etc.).When
dietary amount exceeds: normal degradation (by microbes) is in terrupted and the excess oxalates combine with feed calcium to
form insoluble calcium oxalate and thus calcium becomes unavailable
for absorption or excess oxalate (20-30mg per cent) may
be absorbed from the rumen into the blood stream where it can
combine with calcium: produce hypocalcaemia. The insoluble calcium
oxalate may then crystalise in various tissues, specially kidneys
and rumen wall [60].
Antivitamins: These are organic compounds which either destroy
certain vitamins or combine and form unobservable complexes
or interfere with digestive and /or metabolic functions.
Antivitamin A: Raw soybean contains enzyme lipoxygenase which
can be destroyed by heating 5min with steam at atmospheric pressure.
Lipoxygenase catalyses oxidation of carotene the precursor
of vitamin A [60].
Antivitamin E: Diets with raw kidney beans produced muscular
dystrophy in chicks and lambs by reducing plasma vitamin E. Autoclaving
destroys the factor.
Antivitamin K: Eating sweet clover cause fatal haemorrhagic
condition in cattle. This is known as “Sweet clover disease”
Dicoumarol present in sweet clover is responsible.Dicoumarol
reduce prothrombin levels in blood and affects blood clotting
Antivitamin D: Rachitogenic activity of isolated soya protein (unheated)
has been found with chicks and pigs. Autoclaving eliminates
this rechitogenic activity [60].
Antipyridoxine: 1-amino-D-proline has been identified as a pyridoxine
antagonist from linseed. Linatine is a peptide that occurs
naturally when glutamic acid is combined with it. After water
treatment and autoclaving, the nutritional value of linseed meal
for chicks can be significantly improved [60].
Antiniacin: An antagonist of niacin, niacytin is found in maize
wheat bran etc. which cause perosis and growth depression [60].
Antithiamine: Enzyme thiaminase present in bracken fern act as
antithiamine factor [60].
Alkaloids: Alkaloids are basic compounds with a heterocyclic nitrogen
ring. Alkaloids are found in 15-20% of all vascular plants
[60]. The majority of alkaloids are created by plants from amino
acids. Decarboxylation of amino acids produces amines, which
are then converted to aldehyde by amine oxides [63]. The heterocyclic
ring is formed by condensation of the aldehyde and amine
groups. Atropine, Deadly nightshade; Cocaine, Coca plant leaves;
Morphine, opium poppy dried latex; Nicotine, Tobacco; Quinine,
Cinchona bark; Solanine, Unripe potatoes; and Strychnine, Nuxvomic
seeds.
Health Aspect of Antinutrients
Anti-nutrients and human health: While antinutrients can be
harmful, some of them may also be beneficial to your health.
Consumers should be aware of any potential effects, both positive
and negative. Furthermore, concentration-dependent effects
must be taken into account. Data can be manipulated to provide
health-related benefits, making chronic disease management possible
[18].
Antinutrients are beneficial active ingredients found in foods and
beverages. Phytic acid, lectins, and phenolic compounds, as well
as enzyme inhibitors and saponins, have all been shown to lower
blood glucose and/or plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerols
when used at low doses. Saponins have also been shown to be effective
in maintaining liver function, preventing steoporosis, and
preventing platelet agglutination [64].
As a result of the foregoing, antinutrients may prove to be useful
tools in the treatment of a variety of diseases. Even if they
have no nutritional value, they may not always be harmful. Meanwhile,
phytoestrogens, plant-derived phenolic compounds, phytic
acid, protease inhibitors, saponins, lignans, and phytoestrogens
have all been shown to reduce cancer risk. Antiviral, antibacterial,
and antiparasitic properties have been discovered in anti-nutrient
compounds like tannins. In humans, phytoestrogens and lignans,
for example, have been linked to infertility induction. As a result,
investigating all aspects of food antinutrients, including their potential
health benefits and analysis methods [18], is a good idea.
The most important factor is to concentrate on dosage intake in
order to strike a balance between the beneficial and harmful effects
of plant bioactives and antinutrients, as well as the chemical
structure, exposure time, and interactions with other dietary components.
Their activity is influenced by a variety of factors. They
can be classified as either antinutritive factors with negative health
consequences or nonnutritive compounds with beneficial health
consequences. Consumer education is critical, particularly when
abnormal health conditions are discovered.
Anti-nutrients and animal health: Anti-nutritional factors are
substances that, when present in animal feed or water, reduce the
availability of one or more nutrients, either directly or through
their metabolic products. Starch polysaccharides and no-starch
polysaccharides are found in plants, and some of them are antinutritional.
Plants contain a mixture of water-soluble and insoluble no starch
polysaccharides, and the ratio varies depending on the plant type
and maturity stage. Cellulose is a fiber that is insoluble in water.
The viscosity of most no-starch polysaccharides has a negative
impact on animal digestion.
The amount of material in the digestive tract affects the ability of
the digestive enzymes to do their job, which leads to a reduction
in feed efficiency. Meanwhile, the presence of anti-nutritional factors
limits the use of leaves, pods, and edible twigs of shrubs and
trees as animal feed.
Anti-nutritional factors are classified according to their effects on
the nutritional value of feedstuffs as well as the animal's biological
response to them. The anti-nutritional factors were divided into
groups by Huisman and Tolman [65]: Factors with a depressive
effect on protein digestion and on the utilization of protein, such
as protease inhibitors, tannins and saponins; Factors that affect
mineral utilization, which include phytates; Factors that stimulate
the immune system and may cause a damaging hypersensitivity reaction,
such as antigenic proteins; Carbohydrate digestion-inhibiting
substances, such as amylase inhibitors, phenolic compounds,
and flatulence factors.
It can also appear as: Non-protein Amino Acids (Mimosine), as
found in Leucaena; Glycosides (Saponins), which are found in Acacia; Polyphenolic compounds (tannins and lignins), which are
found in all vascular plants; Alkoaois, which is found in Acacia,
and Oxalate, which is also found in Acacia.
Mimosine's mechanism of action is unknown, but it could act as
an amino acid, disrupt catalytic trans-aminases, or form a complex
with a metal such as zinc [66]. To address the minomsine
issue when feeding Leucaena, limit green forage to 30% for cattle
and buffalo, and 50% for goats [67]. Saponins are a diverse group
of naturally occurring steroidal glycosides that produce foam and
are found in a wide range of plants.
Kidney bean, lentil, pea, chickpea, alfalfa, soybean, groundnut,
and sunflower are examples of oilseeds. Through intralumenal
physicochemical interaction, they reduce the uptake of certain
nutrients such as glucose and cholesterol in the gut. As a result,
hypocholesterolemic effects have been reported. Meanwhile, they
cause bloat, hemolysis, and inhibit microbial fermentation and
synthesis in the rumen, and they have distinct foaming characteristics
with white clover and alfalfa [68]. However, due to structural
differences in their sapogenin fractions, it has a wide range of
biological effects.
Tannins are phenolic compounds that are water soluble and are
found in forage legumes, trees, and shrubs [69]. Proteins can be
precipitated from aqueous solution by them. The two types of
tannins (hydrolysable and condensed Tannins are found in tree
and shrub leaves.
Tannins have more effect in reducing digestibility than hydrolysable
tannins. However, tannins' mechanism effect stemmed from
their ability to form strong H bonds with nutrients, which resulted
in inhibitions of digestive enzymes and rumen microbial activity
[70], and this effect can be amplified as the molecular weight of
tannins increases. Because of increased bypass, concentrations of
2-4 percent of dry mater increase N utilization; concentrations of
>7% usually reduce nutrient utilization.
Tannins are present in the NDF and ADF of the tree leaves,
which are bound to the cell wall & cell protein and can resulted
in decreasing digestibility [71], they also cause decreased palatability,
feed intake, reduced growth rate [72] or loss in weight, poor
utilization and decrease iron absorption. But, on the other hand,
tannins have some advantages due to their efficiency on animal
health, as it had other properties such as, anti-diarrhea, antibacterial,
antioxidant, free-radical, scavenging ant proliferative activity
in liver cells. Not only that but it can work as protein protection
during ensilage.
Alkaloids cause gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. The
glycoalkaloids, solanine and chaconine present in potato and Solanum
spp. are toxic to fungi and humans [73]. Some plant alkaloids
are reported to cause infertility [74]. Anti vitamin factors there
are some antivitamin factors in some plants, especially leguminous
plants. Anti-vitamin E has also been noted in isolated soya
protein, which is suspected to be tocopherol oxidase. Anti-metals
Phytates bind minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc
and make them unavailable. Anemia and other mineral deficiency
disorders are common in regions where the diet is primarily a
vegetarian [75]. Oxalate is considered an anti-nutrient because it
inhibits calcium absorption and can increase the risk of developing
kidney stones [76].
Methods of reducingor disabling the deleterious effect of
Antinutrients
Disabling antinutrients in Plant based food: It is critical to
remove undesirable food components in order to improve the
quality of the product. Soaking, cooking, fermentation, radiation,
germination, and chemical treatment are some of the techniques
that can be used for antinutritional disabling [77]. Combining several
of the above-mentioned methods may be more effective than
using a single technique in removing anti-nutrients.
Heating: Antinutrients like phytic acid, tannins, and oxalic acid
can be reduced by cooking whole grains, beans, and vegetables.
Because of their protein nature, protease inhibitors are easily
denatured by heat. Controlled heating at a temperature less than
boiling for at least 15 minutes has been shown to reduce antinutrient
levels [78]. Tannins, phytic acid, hydrogen cyanide, trypsin
inhibitors, and oligosaccharides can all be significantly reduced by
autoclaving. Cooking sweet potato leaves in lemon juice reduced
polyphenols by 56% and lowered oxalate levels. The raffinose
content of bambara groundnut seeds is significantly reduced and
their protein digestibility is improved after 60 minutes of boiling
[79].
Fermentation: The reduction of phytic acid and polyphenol
content was achieved by fermenting assorted grain flour with L.
acidophilus at 37°C for 24 hours. For a day of fermentation, recent
research has shown a noticeable reduction in the entire antinutrient
properties of soybean [80]. Ojokoh et al. [81] investigated
the effect of fermentation on the antinutritional composition of
breadfruit and cowpea flours, finding that hydrogen cyanide, oxalate,
and phytate content were significantly reduced. Fermentation
has been shown to increase the protein content of chickpeas by
13% while lowering the phytic acid content by 45% [82]. Adeyemo
et al. [83] investigated the effects of sorghum fermentation
on trypsin inhibitor, protease inhibitor, phytate, and tannin at 0,
72, and 120 hours.With L. plantarum as the starter culture, a significant
reduction in trypsin inhibitor (69%), protease inhibitor
(30%), phytate (60%), and tannin (72%) was observed after 120
hours. At 120 hours, however, L. brevis as a starter appeared to
be effective, with a 58 percent reduction in trypsin inhibitor, a 40
percent reduction in protease inhibitor, a 70 percent reduction in
phytate, and a 56 percent reduction in tannin.
Soaking: Soaking is one of the most straightforward physical
processes for removing soluble antinutritional factors. Total phenols,
ortho-dihydroxyphenols, tannins, and phytates were reduced
by 33, 41, 35, and 21 percent, respectively, after soaking in distilled
water, 1 percent NaHCO3, and mixed salt solutions [84]. Soaking
soybean flour reduced total protein, soluble sugar, and tannins
[85]. Enzyme inhibitors can be deactivated by soaking and sprouting
grains, nuts, seeds, and beans. This method of deactivation,
however, has no effect on lectin.
Sprouting (Germination): Germination is one of the most
effective methods for lowering anti-nutritive compounds, such
as phytate levels. With sprouting, the trypsin inhibitory activity,
amylase inhibitory activity, and phytate content of the MACS-13
soy bean variety decreased [86]. According to Kanensi et al. [87],
germi-nated amaranth seeds have a lower antinutrient level. Tannins
and phytate levels were insignificant. Kajla et al. [88] used the germination process in flax seeds to overcome the antinutritional
levels. Other authors [89] confirm that germination increases nutritional
content while decreasing anti-nutrient content in plantbased
foods.
Genomic technology: Although genomic resources can be used
to interfere with RNA and remove antinutrient factors, this technology
has yet to be tested in vivo. Because corn contains high
levels of phosphorus stored in the form of phytic acid, Shukla
et al. [90] designed zinc-finger nucleases constructs to mutate the
IPK1 gene in maze, one of the phytic acid biosynthesis genes.
Although genome editing technology can improve crop quality,
there is still a debate about the safety of genetically modified organisms
[91].
Gamma radiation: Gamma radiation appeared to be an effective
method for reducing trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid, and oligosaccharides
in broad bean by 5 to 10%. Hassan et al. [92], on the
other hand, found that a 2 kGy dose had no effect on the tannin
content of two maize cultivars. El-Niely [93] and Fombang et al.
[94] both made similar observations. Antinutritional factors such
as tannin and phytic acid were significantly reduced in Faba bean
seeds after low doses of gamma irradiation (0.5 and 1.0 kGy). To
reduce antinutrients in millet grains, gamma radiation can be used
as a safe postharvest method [95].
Disabling anti-nutrients in animal nutrition
To combat the negative effects of such anti-nutritional factors, a
variety of methods have been tried, with tannins coming out on
top. Making hay, silage with inoculants, using polyethylene glycol
[96]; urea [97] or biological treatment with fungi [98] can all be
used to either eliminate or reduce anti-nutritional factor concentrations.
It is will know that alkali treatment includes polyethylene glycol,
which a tannins-binding agent, [99] was shown to be a powerful
tool for isolating the effect of tannins on various digestive function
[100]. But it may not be economic. Although the incorporation
of polyethylene glycol, which binds with and inactivates
tannins, is quite effective, success of its adoption depends on the
cost: benefit ratio [101]. Russsell&Olley suggest feed animals with
1% urea. In that system, urea not only provides extra N but also
deactivates the leaf tannins [83]. Conclusion for increasing the
utilization of dietary nutrients, reducing environmental contamination
and decrease feeding cost, the optimum use of unconventional
feedstuffs as well as any local sources (shrubs, browsing
tree) has big potential. Each region can select what is reasonable
and suitable for his case to optimize all feed resources in order to
reach its goal.
Perspectives
Different authors across the world have reported on the nutritional
value of plant based foods and feeds in human and animal
nutrition. However, in most cases of our country, the breeding
and variety selection programs are going on without taking the
nutritive data into criteria. This is because, if a crop and forages
are found to be disease resistant, high yielding and good performing
in general and not good in its nutrient compositions or high
in antinutritional factors, this is not a good package to take to the production. This may led to lack of such important information
in breeding packages or programs. In this regard, it is better
if included in criterion for varietal selection for either breeding
programs or production. So, much work will be expected with
respect to nutritional value of these plant based feed and foods.
Moreover, Optimization of different processing methods for nutrient
retention and antinutrient reduction is an important point.
Hence, many of the antinutritional factors are toxic, unpalatable
or indigestible, they are needed to be eliminated from the feed
and food staff either by selection of plant genotypes or through
post-harvest processing (germination, boiling, leaching, fermentation,
extraction), and polyethylene glycol and biological treatment
before consumption. It is also important to research on
different product development,particularly blending potent plant
based foods, to overcome the problem of malnutrition in proteinenergy
and micronutrient nutrient.
Conclusion
Antinutritional factors are common food compounds that are
particularly difficult to avoid for those who follow a predominantly
plant-based diet, such as vegans and vegetarians. Antinutrients
can have beneficial health effects in small doses or cause
nutrient deficiencies in large doses. When the latter is not readily
available, uninformed consumers may encounter some misleading
information. When antinutrients are consumed in excess of their
upper limit, they can cause negative side effects. Ant nutritional
breakdown products can also cause negative effects. When the
consumer is presented with little knowledge about the environmental
influence on the human organism's detoxification capacity,
the presence of lectins, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, goitrogens,
inhibitors, and other substances in foods may cause a variety
of reactions. Antinutritional removal tools can be used in both
traditional and modern agricultural biotechnological programs.
Health risks, on the other hand, can be avoided by introducing a
daily sustainable diet based on sound scientific evidence.
The optimal use of unconventional feedstuffs as well as any local
sources (shrubs, browsing tree) has a lot of potential for increasing
dietary nutrient utilization, reducing environmental contamination,
and lowering feeding costs. Each region can choose what
is reasonable and appropriate for his situation in order to maximize
all feed resources and achieve its goal.
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