The protein illusion: New study finds human cells struggle to absorb nutrients from plant-based meat
A new study challenges the protein equivalence of plant-based meats, finding that the human body may not absorb protein from a plant-based meat analog as effectively as it does from chicken.
The research used a simulated digestion model and found that peptides (digested protein) from the plant-based product were less water-soluble and larger, making them harder for human intestinal cells to absorb.
This highlights a key “bioavailability gap”—the amount of protein listed on a nutrition label does not reflect how much the body can actually use, questioning claims of nutritional parity.
The findings add to a growing scientific critique, suggesting that despite being marketed as healthier, these highly processed alternatives are not a direct nutritional substitute for animal meat.
The researchers call for improved food science, aiming to enhance both the sensory qualities and the nutritional bioavailability of future plant-based meat products.
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-02-19-cells-struggle-absorb-nutrients-plant-based-meat.html
