Effect of Dietary Fiber on Mineral Bioavailability

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Among the nutrients of biological importance, minerals are of particular interest in human nutrition because the range of adequate intake is so narrow. As the results of a series of interaction experiments between dietary fiber sources and minerals, there are many inconsistencies in the experimental data regarding the effect of dietary fibers on mineral bioavailability. the mechanism by which dietary fiber might influence mineral absorption is related to its physicochemical properties. These properties involve the ability of dietary fiber to (1) act as a weak cation exchanger, (2) decrease transit time, (3) dilute mineral concentration by increasing fecal bulk and (4) resist digestion in the large bowel. Regardless of the large number of human and animal studies available, a carful review of these publications dose not provide the answer as to whether the adverse effect of dietary fibers on mineral absorption is the fiber itself or some associated dietary factors( e.g. phytate, oxalate, ascorbate, citrate and protein, mineral-mineral interaction, etc) that are responsible for this action. As a result of the complexity of interaction that may take place between minerals. dietary fiber, and other component of food ; it becomes very difficult to blame fiber alone as a negative factor of mineral nutrition. We absolutely need more research with advanced tools rather than metabolic balance study.