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2000
Volume 21, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 1573-4013
  • E-ISSN: 2212-3881

Abstract

Background

Low protein intake during pregnancy increases maternal mortality and blood levels of leptin and ghrelin, the hormones that regulate energy balance, affecting energy intake and body weight. The benefits of protein depend on the amount and type of amino acids that make up the protein. The need for L-lysine amino acids in pregnant women is reported to increase, especially at the end of pregnancy. Bambara beans contain high levels of the amino acid L-lysine, so they can be used as a source of protein that contains high levels of L-lysine.

Objective

This study evaluated the Bambara groundnuts () supplementation effects on reproductive function related to ghrelin-leptin in female mice fed a low protein diet.

Methods

Quasi-experimental study with a control group employing 50 female mice divided into five groups: normal protein diet (N), low protein diet (LP), low protein diet with 100 g (LP+100); 200 g (LP+200), and 300 g (LP+300) Bambara groundnut supplementation. After 2 months of intervention, half of the mice in each group (n=25) were terminated, and blood samples were collected to determine albumin, ghrelin, and leptin levels. The other half mice were mated to assess gestational age.

Results

Supplementation with Bambara groundnuts at 200 and 300 g/kg of feed increases protein intake and ghrelin and leptin levels. The leptin/ ghrelin ratio in the group of mice supplemented with Bambara groundnut at a dose of 300 g/kg feed shows a similar ratio to the normal group. Although there were no significant changes in albumin levels in all groups, protein intake, ghrelin and leptin levels were positively correlated with gestational age.

Conclusion

Bambara groundnuts can reduce the negative effect of a low protein diet in female mice. It is an excellent protein source that increases the leptin/ghrelin ratio to improve gestational age.

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2025-07-24

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Benefits of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) as a Source of Protein on Reproductive Function Related to Ghrelin-leptin in Female Mice Fed a Low Protein Diet
Curr. Nutr. Food Sci. 21, 46 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2174/0115734013291868240324152826
/content/journals/cnf/10.2174/0115734013291868240324152826
/content/journals/cnf/10.2174/0115734013291868240324152826
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  • Article Type:     Review Article
Keyword(s): albumin; Bambara groundnut; ghrelin; leptin; pregnancy; protein

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