title: Kiwifruit and mineral nutrition.
abstract: Dietary minerals are essential nutrients that drive key cellular and physiological functions. Each mineral is absorbed in the gut via unique, complex pathways that can involve a cascade of receptors and binding proteins. Foods can both provide dietary minerals and contain components that impact the bioavailability of minerals in the digestive system. Kiwifruit exceeds most other fruits in its content of key micronutrients including potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, and folate. It also contains exceedingly high levels of ascorbic acid, which increases the bioavailability of nonheme iron and can impact on calcium absorption. Recent research in cells, animals, and humans has demonstrated that kiwifruit, particularly the gold variety, can increase the uptake and retention of the essential dietary minerals iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
authors: Department of Human Nutrition and Physiology, Massey University, Auckland, Palmerston North, New Zealand. f.m.wolber@massey.ac.nz
authors: Frances M
authors: FM
authors: Wolber
authors: Kathryn L
authors: KL
authors: Beck
authors: Cathryn A
authors: CA
authors: Conlon
authors: Marlena C
authors: MC
authors: Kruger
mesh_terms: D029042:Actinidia; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D009753:Nutritive Value
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals