Mineral absorption

About: Mineral absorption is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 346 publications have been published within this topic receiving 11296 citations.

Use of Drip Irrigation in Orchards

Abstract: The use of drip irrigation in orchards is increasing worldwide. Water shortage, prevention of ground water contamination, and improved production are the main reasons for this increase. The combination of partial wetting of the soil and control of the water penetration depth considerably increases the efficiency of irrigation. Recent technological improvements permit maintenance of a constant volume of irrigated soil in which gradients of soil water matric potentials and mineral concentrations exist from the irrigation point to the margins of the wetted zone. Because water and mineral uptake is a function of soil matric potential and mineral concentration, respectively, optimal uptake rates by certain portions of the root system always exist along these gradients for any given environmental conditions. Gradients of air concentration act similarly and permit maintenance of high water availability without any interference with root aeration. Due to the relative ability of the roots to exchange water, minerals, and, possibly, oxygen, the entire root system functions more efficiently compared to root systems under conventional irrigation methods. Physiological root restriction effects induce the formation of a large number of small roots with frequent branching. Consequently, the relative surface area for water and mineral absorption is increased several-fold, and the increased number of root tips that are known to be involved in production of hormones (such as gibberelins and cytokinins) is significant. Evidence for enhanced fruit bud formation under conditions of root restriction is presented here. Water treatment and filtration technology has improved, and clogging of surface or buried drip systems now can be minimized, which also increases the suitable range of water quality for use in drip systems.

Associations between intestinal mucosal function and changes in plasma zinc concentration following zinc supplementation.

Abstract: Objectives Subclinical environmental enteropathy is associated with malabsorption of fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins A, B12 and folate; however, little information is available on mineral absorption. We therefore investigated the relationship between intestinal mucosal function (measured by the lactulose:mannitol permeability test and plasma citrulline concentration), and zinc absorption, as estimated by the change in plasma zinc concentration (PZC) following short-term zinc or placebo supplementation.

Effect of wheat bran in practical diets on mineral absorption by pigs at two ages

Abstract: Twenty-four pigs were individually housed and fed diets containing either 0, 10 or 20% wheat bran. Digestion trials (chromic oxide indicator) were conducted when the pigs had been fed the diets for 14 days (period 1) and again after 80 days (period 2). Addition of 20% wheat bran reduced (P < 0.01) dry matter and crude fiber digestibility. Fe absorption was nonsignificantly depressed by wheat bran during period 1 but increased (P < 0.05) during period 2 while Cu absorption was depressed (P < 0.01) during period 1 but not period 2. Zn absorption was nonsignificantly depressed for the 20% wheat bran diet during period 1 but was significantly depressed (P < 0.05) for both bran diets during period 2. Apparent P absorption was increased (P < 0.01) with both bran diets. An indigestible bran fraction recovered from feces indicated that bran fiber accumulated Ca, Cu, Sr, Al and B to some extent, and Fe and Zn to a great extent. In younger animals, Fe and Cu may be the elements of greatest concern while in older an...

In vitro bioaccessibility of minerals from microalgae-enriched cookies.

Abstract: Microalgae have several biologically active constituents such as pigments, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, among others. Nowadays, there are numerous commercial applications for microalgae in food and animal feed. Minerals have many functions in the human body, from structural to metabolic function; as mineral absorption by the human body is important, its study is also key because of anti-nutritional factors responsible for lowering the bioaccessibility of these minerals. The aim of this work was to evaluate the mineral bioaccessibility in cookies, enriched with Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) and Chlorella vulgaris, using in vitro static systems that simulate digestive processes. Using microalgae as an ingredient to enrich cookies with minerals was a good alternative because cookies presented a higher content of minerals compared to control samples. When the microalgae concentration in formulation increased (within studied range), higher P, Se, Na, and Mg amounts were observed in cookies. Cookies enriched with 1.5 or 2% Chlorella or Spirulina are foods classed as “high in selenium”. Incorporating A. platensis and C. vulgaris in cookie formulations, therefore, allowed greater accessibility of P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Se for absorption in the body, compared with control cookies.