The effects of sugar-beet fibre and wheat bran on iron and zinc absorption in rats.
The addition of 1 g sugar-beet fibre (Beta Fibre) to 3 g semi-synthetic diet resulted in a 54% increase in iron and a 39% increase in zinc absorption in rats. The same amount of non-starch polysaccharides fed as wheat bran (1.9 g) had no effect on Fe absorption but reduced Zn absorption by 9%. The inhibitory effect of wheat brain is probably due to its high phytate content, but there is, as yet, no explanation for the enhancement of Fe and Zn absorption caused by Beta Fibre. If the effect also occurs in man, it will have important implications for high-fibre diets and mineral nutrition.
Fairweather-Tait
S J
SJ
AFRC Institute of Food Research, Norwich.
Wright
A J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000502:physiology*; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D007504:Iron Radioisotopes; D008297:Male; D010833:Phytic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014908:Triticum; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism*
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D007504:Iron Radioisotopes; D011134:Polysaccharides; D010833:Phytic Acid; D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc