Ferritin is present in several types of plants in low concentrations, but it is possible to enhance this content by plant breeding, or by inserting the gene for ferritin into staple foods. Since each ferritin molecule can bind thousands of iron atoms, ...

An update on in vitro methods employed to assess iron bioavailability is presented. Solubility and dialyzability are not useful predictors of iron absorption, whereas Caco-2 cell models provide useful comparisons on the availability of iron from different ...

The bioavailability (relative bioavailability value; RBV) of iron compounds relative to ferrous sulfate has proven useful in ranking the potential of iron compounds for food fortification. The efficacy of iron-fortified foods however depends on the ...

Zinc fortification is considered a potentially useful strategy for the control of zinc deficiency, but the success of such intervention programs depends on the population’s access to and consumption of zinc-fortified foods and adequate absorption of zinc ...

An estimated 100–140 million children worldwide suffer vitamin A deficiency disorders (VADD). Strategies for combating VADD are best used in combination because they serve particular target groups and none has full coverage. Homestead food production (HFP)...

Schoolchildren in developing countries often have inadequate intakes of iron, due primarily to poor bioavailability. Increasing meat in the diet could improve both the amount of iron consumed and its availability. The effect of increases in intakes of ...

Background: A number of algorithms have been developed that seek to predict the bioavailability of iron from mixed meals and diets, but their direct validity in predicting change in iron status remains questionable. Throughout the course of conducting a ...

For the majority of micronutrients, there are very little data, or none at all, on the role of genetic polymorphisms on their absorption and metabolism. In many cases, the elucidation of biochemical pathways and regulators of homeostatic mechanisms have ...

Iron balance in human beings is maintained by the control of absorption. Recent observations have demonstrated that a peptide hormone, hepcidin, is the principal regulator of iron homeostasis. It is produced in the liver in response to increasing iron ...

Polyphenols are widely abundant dietary constituents in plants that are associated with health-promoting effects. This review summarizes factors influencing the bioavailability of polyphenols, specifically flavanols, flavonols, flavanones, flavones, and ...

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency (VAD) and the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) affect > 30% of the global population and these deficiencies often coexist in vulnerable groups. VAD has multiple effects on the pituitary-thyroid axis; VA status modulates thyroid ...