Effect of germination on the main chemical compounds and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate metabolism of different quinoa varieties

• Published in: Food research international 2022-09, Vol.159, p.111601-111601, Article 111601
• Main Authors: He, Yanan, Song, Shuhui, Li, Cui, Zhang, Xindan, Liu, Haijie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate; Accumulation; Gene relative expression; Nutrient compositions; Phytochemicals; Quinoa sprouts
• ISSN: 0963-9969; 1873-7145
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111601

[Display omitted] •Germination increased the nutritional and phytochemical composition of quinoa.•PCA showed significant differences in chemicals among quinoa varieties.•The 5-MTHF content of the LL-1 and QL-2 varieties was highest in 6-day sprouts.•The expression of pterin synthesis genes regulated further accumulation of 5-MTHF.•The 6-day-old sprouts were the most superior quinoa sprouts for functional food. This study determined the content of macronutrients and micronutrients to investigate the nutritional value and health benefits of six varieties of quinoa seeds and sprouts. Germination markedly increased the contents of proteins, reducing sugars, free amino acids, vitamins, and phytochemicals such as phenolic and carotenoid compounds, with variation among different quinoa varieties. Relatively high levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) were found in 6-day-old quinoa sprouts, especially in the LL-1 variety (1747.25 μg/100 g DW), followed by QL-2 sprouts (1501.67 μg/100 g DW). Furthermore, we examined the relative expression of genes involved in the folate biosynthetic pathway during QL-2 germination. The expression of the ADCS gene was upregulated 28.31-fold in 6-day-old sprouts, greatly facilitating folate synthesis. Pterin synthesis genes regulate the biosynthesis and further accumulation of folate by controlling pterin metabolic flux. Overall, the 6-day-old sprouts were recommended as a functional food with nutritional value and health benefits in dietary supplements.