ABSTRACT
The
high rate of cardiovascular disease is due to excessive intake of animal
protein. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the replacement
of the soybean as a cost effective protein on the blood parameters. 110
immature female Balb/c mice three weeks of age were randomized, into eleven
groups of 10 animals each based on following diets: 1) low protein, 2) full
protein without soybean, 3) full protein with 20% soybean, and 4) full protein
with 40% soybean,. The animals received their diet orally on a daily basis for
three and six months. At the end of the study period, the blood samples were
collected and blood parameters were measured. The data were analyzed with SPSS
software using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results: In the groups that
received 20% and 40% soybean diet, the cholesterol, LDH, glucose, creatinine
and urea levels showed meaningful decrease, and total protein level showed a significant increase in
comparison with the other groups (P < 0.01). However, the mean values
of ALT, AST, ALP, triglyceride, calcium and phosphorus did not show significant change among experimental groups (P < 0.01). Results of the present study indicated that
soybean as a cost effective protein could be suitable replacement for animal protein
and soybean may have beneficial effects on health like reduction of
cholesterol, LDH and urea.