Mineral absorption

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

Effect of popping and fermentation on proximate composition, minerals and absorption inhibitors, and mineral bioavailability of Amaranthus caudatus grain cultivated in Ethiopia

Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of popping and fermentation on the chemical composition of three types of Amaranthus caudatus grains cultivated in Ethiopia. Proximate composition, minerals and mineral absorption inhibitors were analyzed. Popping caused a decrease in protein content by 4 % and an increase in fat, ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents by 12, 10, 15 and 67 %, respectively. While fermentation increased protein, fat and ash content by 3, 22 and 14 %, respectively but did not significantly change ADF and NDF content. Fe, Ca and phytic acid (IP6) decreased during popping but Mg, Zn, galloyl and catechol did not change significantly. On the other hand, fermentation increased Fe and Mg content but decreased IP6, galloyl and catechol content. The decrease in mineral absorption inhibitors especially IP6 during popping and fermentation could contribute to enhance mineral bioavailability. However, due to the presence of high phytate content in raw amaranth, all IP6-to-mineral molar ratios were above the recommended values.

Mineral absorption in relation to nutritional ecology of reindeer

Abstract: This paper addresses the way which absorption of minerals relate to nutritional ecology and mineral conservation processes. A latin square designed experiment was used to assess the effects of diet on mineral (Ca, Mg, K, Na) absorption processes in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.). Three male calves were fed 3 different diets: concentrate with 25% grass meal (RF-71), lichens, and a mixed diet of lichens and RF-71. Two other male calves were fed the lichen or mixed diet, supplemented with 4 g Ca/day. Ca supplementation significantly increased fecal Ca excretion, reduced the excretion of K and Mg, but had no significant effect on Na excretion. Rates of intake and fecal exretion of Ca, Mg and K were highly correlated (P<0.001), while no correlations were found for Na. Negative digestibilities of Ca, Mg and K, and a positive Na digestibility were noted for the lichen diet. For the other diets, all minerals were in positive digestibility, and Ca supplements increased the digestibility of all minerals. Digesta from different sections of the alimentary tract were collected after termination of the experiment. Alimentary pools of Ca and K were equal for animals fed lichen or RF-71, whereas the Na pool was largest on the lichen diet and the Mg pool largest on the RF-71 diet. Rumen turnover time (rumen mineral pool size/daily mineral intake) was consistently less than 3 days for Ca and Mg, but was 22 and 82 days for Na on the RF-71 and lichen diets respectively. Estimates of mineral exchange in various parts of the tract showed that the intestines play and important role in scavanging endogenously secreted minerals. Results are discussed with respect to mineral binding by lichens and the possible role of natural mineral supplements in the nutritional ecology of reindeer.

Prospects of using citric acid as fish feed supplement.

Abstract: Fishes usually have low levels of acid secretion in the gut as compared to mammals. Inclusion of organic acids in their diet reduces the pH in the gut. This lowering of pH increases the phytate hydrolysis, kills the pathogens, decreases the rate of gastric emptying and improves mineralization and nutrient absorption. Among the organic acids, citric acid (CA) has been used extensively for diet acidification due to its unique flavor and high buffering capacity. It has great potential to replace fish meal (up to 70%) with plant based protein sources. Being a strong chelator of calcium and phosphorus, CA enhances the phytate hydrolysis. It improves the bioavailability of minerals by solubilizing the bones and competing with other chelators. It also increases the endogenous as well as exogenous phytases efficiency by providing an optimum pH in gut. Besides, it acts as antimicrobial agent and stimulates feeding in fish. Purpose of this review is to appraise the applications of citric acid supplementations in fish feed and to highlight its role in improving the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, minerals availability and phytase efficacy. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers

Assessing mineral metabolism in children using stable isotopes

Abstract: Mineral metabolism may be altered in children with acute or chronic illnesses. The effects may be short term, such as hypomagnesemia associated with chemotherapy, or long-term, such as loss of bone mineral mass after steroid use. Understanding the causes, consequences, and potential therapies for mineral disorders is enhanced by understanding the absorption, body utilization, and turnover of these minerals. These assessments can now be done safely and readily using non-radioactive, stable isotopes which are available for calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron. The methods for measurement of mineral absorption and kinetics (turnover) are well established, especially for calcium, and have been tested in every age group. Few studies, however, have been performed in children with acute or chronic illnesses such as cancer. Isotope dosing and infusion protocols are minimally invasive and protocols require small blood or urine volumes. Mineral absorption can be assessed without collecting fecal samples. Kinetics are assessed with blood and urine collections, usually over 5–10 days. Increased use of these techniques may be important in medical and nutritional assessment as well as in the management of pediatric oncology patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.