A Study of Nutritional and Sensory Qualities of Pea Protein Isolate Beverages with a View to Their Potential Use in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders

Patients with mental health disorders often have inadequate intakes of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, which can negatively affect neurotransmitter synthesis, mood, cognitive function, and sensory perception. This study evaluated the nutritional value and sensory acceptability of different flavoured pea protein isolate beverages in 78 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and depression. The results of the sensory evaluation showed that the sweeter-profile beverages were the best-rated. Nutrient analysis confirmed that the beverages contained important vitamins and minerals, including B₁₂, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium, as well as tryptophan and alpha-linolenic acid, while being low in saturated fat. The results suggest that pea protein isolate beverages are nutrient-rich, well-tolerated, and sensory-acceptable products with high potential as a complementary nutritional solution in mental healthcare.