(P03-065-23) Nutrient Composition Analysis of Multiple Batches of Hemp Hulls To Help Leverage Their Potential for Unique Delivery of Dietary Fiber and Bioactives

Objectives: Hemp seeds and processed hemp products are the most commonly used parts of the hemp plant for human consumption. Valorization of hemp hulls for nutritional consumption in humans is extremely rare. This may be due to a lack of published nutrient composition data and known health benefits for human consumption. This abstract presents the first chemical composition analysis of multiple batches of unprocessed hemp hulls from various suppliers, with the intent of upcycling them to leverage their potential in unique delivery of dietary fiber and bioactives for human consumption.

Methods: Hemp hulls samples, from three batches and two suppliers, were acquired post dehulling. Standard sample preparation, such as milling and solvent extraction were performed, prior to sending them to accredited third-party labs (Merieux NutriSciences, Crete, IL, USA and Eurofins, Des Moines, IA, USA) for characterization of physical properties, microbiological counts, and chemical compositional analyses using standard and validated AOAC methods. Total phenolic content of hemp hulls was determined using Eurofins internal Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric based HPLC method.

Results: The validated and standard methods of analysis revealed that unprocessed hemp hulls contain significant levels of high molecular weight insoluble dietary fiber and total dietary fiber and very low levels of high molecular weight soluble dietary fiber. Total phenolic content was measured at 707-863 mcg gallic acid equivalents/g. Among vitamins, levels of Vitamin K1 and folic acid ranged from 43-84 mcg/100g and 34-95 mcg/100g. Alpha-tocopherol levels ranged from 6.5-7.9mg/100g. Minerals with known health benefits were also found to be present at significant levels. Calcium values ranged from 153-181 mg/100g, while magnesium and potassium were present at levels of 157-339 mg/100g and 385-657g/100g, respectively. Levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were less than 0.1mg/100g.

Conclusions: Hemp hulls demonstrated high phenolic and insoluble dietary fiber content, in addition to varying levels of vitamins and minerals known for their health benefits in humans. THC levels in these samples were extremely low. This nutrient composition makes hemp hulls a great candidate for delivery of dietary fiber and bioactives, to be used in products developed for human consumption.

Funding Sources: Brightseed