Mixed Beans – Characterization of Bioactive Compound Absorption and Excretion, and Relationship to Improvements in Cardiovascular Function

Crop Dry Bean, Lentil, Pea
Start Date2014
End Date2016
Principal InvestigatorZharadka, Peter , St. Boniface Research Centre | Taylor, Carla , St. Boniface Research Centre
MPSG Financial Support$40,000
Total Project Funding$40,000
ReportMPSG FINAL Extension Report Zahradka Sept 2016

Research Objectives

Determine the bioavailability (ease of absorption) of compounds found in beans and how these compounds and their metabolites relate to improved cardiovascular function.

Project Description

Consumption of mixed pulses (beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas) improves blood flow to the legs and lowers blood cholesterol in individuals with advanced stages of atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels by plaque) in the legs. Using mass spectrometry to analyze for 100+ compounds, compounds called short-chain acylcarnitines were found to be reduced in the plasma. A reduction in short-chain acylcarnitines was previously reported to reflect improved skeletal muscle metabolism and this fits with our results of improved blood flow to the legs. Since the completion of this first study with mixed pulses, a follow-up study investigating the effects of mixed beans (black, navy, pinto, red kidney) in individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD). is complete.  We are focusing on beans as Manitoba is a major producer and because beans are a potential source of many beneficial bioactive compounds. Our current goal is to link the composition of the beans, and in particular, the bioactive compounds, with the positive biological effects on cardiovascular function. We need to learn more about the bioavailability (ease of absorption) of compounds found in beans and how these compounds and their metabolites relate to improved cardiovascular function. To accomplish this goal, we will use a non-targeted metabolomics approach to screen for 20,000+ compounds. We expect to identify compounds that can be used to determine compliance for bean consumption in clinical trials, and compounds that can be used to assess improvements in cardiovascular function.