(P04-032-25) Comparison of Fasting Metabolomic Profiles After 12-weeks of Lentil Consumption

Objectives: Incorporating lentils into the diet may reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar regulation. Metabolomics offers a deeper understanding of the metabolite changes and metabolic pathways potentially influenced by lentil consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of long-term lentil consumption on fasting metabolite profiles in adults with increased metabolic disease risk.

Methods: Adults (n = 38) with an elevated waist circumference (male ≥ 40 in. and female ≥ 35 in.) and non-fasting triglyceride levels (≥ 150 mg/dL) were enrolled in this randomized clinical controlled trial. For 12 weeks, participants consumed daily lunch meals either with or without 140g of green lentils. Fasting metabolite profiles were assessed before and after the diet using untargeted LC/MS. Metaboanalyst 6.0 and R Studio were utilized to evaluate metabolite changes and metabolic pathway enrichment.

Results: Over 100 metabolites were altered (p < 0.05) following 12-weeks of lentil consumption. Among these metabolites, a phosphatidylcholine increased in abundance (p = 0.005), alongside a lentil consumption biomarker, lenticin (hypaphorine) (p=0.0002). Pathway analysis revealed enrichment of linoleic acid metabolism and pantothenate synthesis. Linoleic acid, an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, showed greater abundance after 12-weeks of lentil consumption compared to baseline (p = 0.049). Additionally, pantetheine, a form of vitamin B5, was in greater abundance following the lentil diet compared to the control diet (p = 0.094).

Conclusions: We observed metabolic changes induced by 12 weeks of lentil consumption in adults with increased metabolic risk. Metabolite changes were related to fatty acid transport and energy production pathways. These results highlight the potential health benefits of incorporating lentils into the diet, particularly in influencing metabolic pathways associated with health improvement.

Funding Sources: USDA-ARS Pulse Crop Health Initiative