PIGS' BLOOD TURNED INTO PROTEIN

It might not sound too appetising at first glance, but a team at the University of Copenhagen thinks it could act as a sustainable source of protein for humans, Euronews reported.

Currently, 60,000 tons of pig's blood is left over from pork production in Denmark and the majority is sold on the international market for animal feed. But due to its high nutritional value, at 90 per cent protein, scientists say it could be used as a supplement in a wide variety of foods instead.

The protein powder the team has produced is white and neutral tasting, so it wouldn’t change the flavour of any product it was added to. 5,000 tonnes of pure protein powder can be extracted from 60,000 tonnes of blood, through a method which uses papaya fruit. Papaya possesses an enzyme which can extract protein from the blood, while also separating out the iron, which could then be used in dietary supplements.

"We are increasing production sustainability by taking advantage of pig blood as a protein source for human consumption. It is likely that a growing number of people will satisfy their protein needs in the future through alternative food sources, for the sake of CO2 emissions and due to food shortages," explains Associate Professor and head researcher Rene Lametsch.

Lametsch claims that the protein powder could be used in many foods and drinks, such as blending it into juice, ice cream or chocolate bars. It could even be used to help the elderly get enough nutrients when they have to go into hospitals or care homes.

"We have tested the powder in a chocolate bar, as well as in meatballs served to people 65-years-old and up, with positive results. Older people can have a tough time getting enough protein in their diets as they begin to eat less at the exact same time that their bodies need additional protein," he says.