Subchronic Toxicity and Teratogenicity Studies of Mycoprotein From Fusarium compactum MM-135 in Rats

Traditional food production systems are constrained by limited arable land, climate change, and environmental pressures, necessitating the exploration of alternative protein sources. Mycoprotein from Fusarium compactum ( F. compactum ) MM-135 has shown promise due to its balanced amino acid profile, high dietary fiber, and low-fat content. Previous studies, including a 14-day dietary exposure study, have shown safety at high doses up to 150,000 ppm. This study further evaluated the subchronic toxicity and teratogenicity of mycoprotein from F. compactum MM-135, testing higher doses than previously reported. In the 90-day oral toxicity study, rats were fed diets containing 50,000, 100,000, or 200,000 ppm of mycoprotein with no adverse effects. The NOAEL was 200,000 ppm (15.26 g/kg/day in males and 16.20 g/kg/day in females). In the teratogenic study, pregnant rats were exposed to the same doses from gestation days 6 to 15. No adverse effects on maternal pregnancy or fetal development were observed, with an NOAEL of 200,000 ppm (16.53 g/kg/day). These results confirm that mycoprotein from F. compactum MM-135 is safe at the tested dose of 200,000 ppm, exceeding the safety threshold established in prior studies, and support its potential as a sustainable alternative protein source.