Vol. 10, Issue 12, Part D (2025)

The study evaluated the safety and quality of an enteral formula containing fish protein hydrolysate (ENFPH) in Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided into five groups and fed either a standard basal diet (control), a basal diet with 5 per cent or 7.5 per cent crude protein replaced by ENFPH, or a basal diet with 5 per cent or 7.5 percent crude protein replaced by a commercial peanut protein hydrolysate formula (PPH). Metabolic trial was conducted towards the end of study, and nutritional utilization was calculated. Haematological and serum biochemical analyses were performed at the end of the feeding trial. Gross pathology and histopathological examinations of tissues from internal organs were also conducted. No mortality, behavioural changes, or treatment-related toxicity were observed throughout the study. Feed intake was significantly higher in the 7.5 per cent ENFPH group, likely due to increased palatability. Haematological and biochemical parameters remained within normal physiological limits. ENFPH was found to be safe, non-toxic, and nutritionally comparable to both standard diets and commercial peanut protein hydrolysate formulations. These findings suggest ENFPH can be a sustainable and effective protein source for enteral feeds and dietary supplements for human nutrition and has potential in use in human nutrition trials.