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Do your plant-based products contain adequate amount of mineral nutrients?

Often plant-based products do not contain sufficient amounts of nutrients such as iron, zinc, or calcium. Dr. Paul Lohmann^® offers a wide range of high value mineral salts for the enrichment of foods.

The demand for plant-based meat and milk alternatives is increasing as more people choose to reduce their meat consumption or adopt vegan/vegetarian lifestyles. This demand is driven by various reasons, including environmental concerns, animal welfare, and personal health benefits. Plant-based dietary patterns contribute to a more sustainable way to produce foods, less greenhouse gas emission and reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Animal and plant-based products are characterized by different composition of nutrients. Dairy milk and traditional meat provide important nutrients for the human diet including proteins, fat, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium. Some minerals are found in animal products at levels that are difficult to achieve in a plant-based diet. Among these minerals are the key-nutrients iron, zinc, and calcium. Because of their importance for the body, they are called critical minerals in the context of plant-based diet. Not only the amount of a mineral can be different in plant and animal sources, but also how good a mineral is absorbed. minerals from animal products are better absorbed by the human body than from plant sources. In meat for example, iron is present as heme iron which is well absorbed. iron contained in plant products is present as non-heme iron and less well absorbed. Moreover, the absorption of minerals can be affected by other ingredients. Plants can contain phytates, which block the absorption of minerals.

The preparation of meals based on legumes, cereals, and vegetables is time consuming, requires certain skills and is not always possible. Plant-based products from the shelf can be a good alternative as they are easy and convenient to prepare. Consumer expect plant-based products that can offer the same nutritional or even better benefits as traditional animal-based products. A recent market survey from a Dutch NGO has revealed significant variances in the nutrient profiles of plant-based products. The survey found that particularly many meat substitute products lack adequate amount of nutrients such as iron. In consequence, the NGO requested manufacturers to fortify their products with critical nutrients.

Optimize the nutritional value of your plant-based products with minerals

To address this issue and prevent deficiencies, fortification of plant-based meat and milk substitutes with critical nutrients such as iron, zinc, or calcium is necessary. Plant-based products may mimic taste and texture of traditional meat or milk but they differ in the composition and value of their nutrients. Only with a similar level of minerals compared to traditional animal products, plant-based products can really be substitutes for dairy milk and meat.

We offer a wide range of high value mineral Salts to meet the nutritional needs of these products. Develop a new product or modify an existing one? Leverage our experts’ expertise for your benefit. We work closely with you to find the best solution for your application.

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