Subchronic Toxicity and Teratogenicity Studies of Mycoprotein From Fusarium compactum MM-135 in Rats

Abstract

Traditional food production systems are constrained by limited arable land, climate change, and environmental pressures, necessitating the exploration of alternative protein sources. Mycoprotein from Fusarium compactum (F. compactum) MM-135 has shown promise due to its balanced amino acid profile, high dietary fiber, and low-fat content. Previous studies, including a 14-day dietary exposure study, have shown safety at high doses up to 150,000 ppm. This study further evaluated the subchronic toxicity and teratogenicity of mycoprotein from F. compactum MM-135, testing higher doses than previously reported. In the 90-day oral toxicity study, rats were fed diets containing 50,000, 100,000, or 200,000 ppm of mycoprotein with no adverse effects. The NOAEL was 200,000 ppm (15.26 g/kg/day in males and 16.20 g/kg/day in females). In the teratogenic study, pregnant rats were exposed to the same doses from gestation days 6 to 15. No adverse effects on maternal pregnancy or fetal development were observed, with an NOAEL of 200,000 ppm (16.53 g/kg/day). These results confirm that mycoprotein from F. compactum MM-135 is safe at the tested dose of 200,000 ppm, exceeding the safety threshold established in prior studies, and support its potential as a sustainable alternative protein source.