Iron Bioavailability Studied in Infants: The Influence of Phytic Acid and Ascorbic Acid in Infant Formulas Based on Soy Isolate

How to Ensure Adequate Iron Absorption from Iron-fortified Food

“…In a follow-up study, complete phytic acid degradation in commercial soy formula fed to infants increased iron absorption 2.2-fold compared with only 1.3-fold with 83% dephytinization. 48 Complete phytate degradation in an experimental pea isolate infant formula fed to adults similarly increased iron absorption 1.6-fold. 49 Studies with ferrous sulfate-forti ed cereal foods indicate that iron absorption is progressively increased as the phytic acid level is reduced.…”

“…59 The most effective way to completely degrade phytic acid is to add commercial phytase. 33,48,49 An alternative phytase source, however, might be certain cereal grains themselves. The phytase content of cereal grains and legume seeds varies considerably, with legumes in general having low activity.…”

Screening of antinutrients in leaves, fruit pulp and seeds of Gishta (Annona spp.) of Ethiopia, North East Africa

“…The presence of phytic acid in plants consumed may inhibit iron absorption in infants to an extent similar to that in adults. Iron deficiency in infants can lead to reduced psychomotor and mental development with long term negative consequences on school performance (Davisson et al, 1994). All the plants were found to have low concentrations of phytic acid.…”

Intestinal absorption of iron and calcium from soy and cow's milk-based infant formulas in weanling rats pups

“…This position is based on several studies that analyzed the interactions among different nutrients and the bioavailability of iron, calcium and other minerals. Negative effects on iron and calcium absorption have been observed in studies conducted on rat pups 10 weaned monkeys 11 , infants 12,13 , and adults [13][14][15] . The negative effects were attributed to phytate 10 and to the types of peptides released during protein digestion 11,14,16 .…”