Micronutrients & recovery
Tannins in sorghum and legumes reduce protein and amino acid digestibility by binding to proteins and precipitating them, with reductions of up to 23% observed in animal models.
If your diet relies heavily on sorghum or tannin-rich legumes like fababean, be aware that tannins can reduce protein absorption by up to 23%. Processing methods like dehulling, soaking, or germination can help reduce tannin levels and improve protein digestibility.
Similarly, the presence of high levels of tannins in sorghum and other cereals, fababean and other grain legumes can cause significant reductions (up to 23 %) in protein and amino acid digestibility in rats, poultry, and pigs.
Why this rating
Consistent findings across multiple animal studies showing inverse relationships between tannin content and digestibility.
Source
Impact of Antinutritional Factors in Food Proteins on the Digestibility of Protein and the Bioavailability of Amino Acids and on Protein Quality
G. Sarwar Gilani et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2012
DOI 10.1017/s0007114512002371
More from this paper
- High levels of dietary trypsin inhibitors in raw soybeans and legumes significantly reduce protein and amino acid digestibility (by up to 50%) and protein quality (by up to 100%) in animal models due to pancreatic hypertrophy and endogenous amino acid loss.Good
- Phytates in cereals and legumes reduce protein and amino acid digestibility by up to 10% through chelation of mineral cofactors and direct interaction with proteins, which can be mitigated by phytase supplementation.Good
Related findings · Micronutrients & recovery
- Trans fats (industrial trans-fatty acids) are unequivocally harmful and should be completely avoided as they raise LDL-C, TGs, and Apo B while lowering HDL-C.Strong
- For menopausal women with osteoporosis, first-line pharmacologic therapies include alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, and denosumab for the prevention of hip, nonvertebral, and vertebral fractures.Strong
- Folic acid fortification of flour prevents neural tube birth defects, and mandatory fortification is more effective than voluntary supplementation alone.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →