Dietary protein source and butyrylated high-amylose maize starch included in a high-protein diet determines the urinary metabolome of rats.

Intake of red and processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), whereas dairy product consumption and the intake of dietary fibre are negatively associated with this risk. We investigated the effect of (i) low-protein diets with either whey or cooked meat (beef) as the protein source and (ii) high-protein diets with cooked meat (beef) either without or with the inclusion of 10% butyrylated high-amylose maize starch (HAMSB), on the urinary metabolome of rats. Urine samples from rats were analysed using untargeted LC-MS metabolomics. The level and source of the dietary protein affected the urinary excretion of numerous metabolites indicating that several metabolic pathways were changed. The inclusion of HAMSB in a high-protein diet caused significant alterations in the excretion of several metabolites. HAMSB reduced urinary excretion of potentially harmful metabolites resulting from a high level of meat consumption.