Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science (GARJAS) ISSN: 2315-5094

June 2013 Vol. 2(6): pp. 153-159

Copyright © 2015 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Lupinus mutabilis Sweet, a traditional Ecuadorian grain: Fatty acid composition, use in the Ecuadorian food system, and potential for reducing malnutrition.

Peter R. Berti¹, Elena Villacrés², Gabriela Segovia², Nelson Mazon³, Eduardo Peralta³

¹ HealthBridge, Ottawa.

² Deptartamento de Nutricion y Calidad de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional Autónomo de Investigaciones Agropecuarias.

³ Programa Nacional de Leguminosas, Instituto Nacional Autónomo de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Ecuador.

*Corresponding Author’s Email: elenavillacres9@hotmail.com

Accepted 05 June, 2013

Abstract

Past studies show that in the rural area of the Ecuadorian highlands total fat intake is low and therefore are at risk for deficiency of essential fatty acids (EFAs). The emphasis on the consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates and poor quality fats raises concerns about low intake of fat, especially in children and suggests that the promotion of legumes with high fat can produce health benefits. Lupinus mutabilis Sweet (“lupine”) is a legume grown in Ecuador and throughout the Andes. The improved variety, lNlAP-450, has high yields, high viability, can be grown on marginal soils and is early maturing  (six months compared to 12 months of the native varieties). Analyses of its fat content were conducted, and, consistent with previous studies, fat levels were high (22% fat (dry weight)) and of high quality, with essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids comprising over three-quarters of the total fat.  A successful lupine promotion program in rural Ecuador was able to increase lupine intakes to achieve 10 to 15% of the recommended EFA intake. Further intervention (with more lupine, processed lupine products, such as oils, or other healthy fat-rich foods) will be required to meet the fat requirements in Andean populations.

Keywords: Lupinus mutabilis, traditional Ecuadorian grain, Fatty acids, malnutrition.