Effect of Co-consuming Different Dietary Protein Sources With Salad on the Bioavailability of Carotenoids

Inclusion Criteria:

1. English-literate and able to give informed consent
2. Singaporean Adults aged 21 to 45 (inclusive)
3. Body mass index of 18.5 to 23.0 kg/m2 (inclusive)
4. At least 50 kg
5. Healthy (based on screening results)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Currently participating in another clinical study that involves altering regular diet and/or involves consuming a dietary supplement or investigated food product as an intervention
2. High blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mmHg)
3. Underlying health conditions that may affect metabolic functions
4. Consuming carotenoid supplements regularly (i.e., more than three times a week) for the past 3 months, and not willing to discontinue consumption 3 months before and during the study duration
5. Weight change > 3 kg in the past 3 months
6. Exercising vigorously over the past 3 months (i.e., engaging in high-intensity exercises for more than 3 hours a week, where high-intensity exercises leave one out of breath and unable to talk or sing during the workout)
7. Current smokers or have quit smoking for less than 5 years
8. Drinking > 2 alcoholic drinks per day (i.e., one drink is defined as either 150 ml of wine, 340 ml of beer/cider or 45 ml of distilled spirit)
9. If drinking ≤ 2 alcoholic drinks per day, not willing to stop consumption of alcoholic beverages two days before and on the day of the test visits
10. Not willing to stop consumption of caffeinated beverages 10 to 12 hours before and on the day of the test visits
11. Currently on a specialised diet (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, weight loss diet)
12. Had serious food allergies in the past, or having intolerance, sensitivities or allergies to any of the following: soy/soy-derived products, eggs, fish and crustaceans, starch/starch-derived products (e.g., rice, corn, wheat, potato), gluten
13. Disease or impairment of the liver
14. Currently diagnosed with diabetes, gastrointestinal issues (e.g., lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome), gout and/or G6PD deficiency
15. Taking antibiotics 2 weeks prior to study participation
16. Taking anti-hypertensive or cholesterol-lowering drugs for less than 3 years unless medically declared by an official doctor to be in stable condition
17. Poor peripheral venous access based on past experiences with blood drawing
18. Individuals with pacemaker or related electrical medical devices
19. Pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy in the next 6 months
20. Have donated blood (whole blood or apheresis) or participated in any other clinical study or trial requiring blood draws within the last 3 months
21. Clinical anemia (hemoglobin <12.0 g/dL in women and <13.0 g/dL in men)