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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #229239

Title: Effects of prebiotics on mineral absorption: mechanisms of action

Author
item Griffin, Ian
item Abrams, Steven

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/9/2007
Publication Date: 1/6/2008
Citation: Griffin, I.J., Abrams, S.A. 2008. Effects of prebiotics on mineral absorption: Mechanisms of action. In: Gibson, G.R., Roberfroid, M.B., editors. Handbook of Prebiotics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 93-104.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: There is extensive evidence in experimental animals that prebiotics, such as inulin-type fructans, can increase the absorption of a variety of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, and that they may act through several possible mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to discuss the different mechanisms by which prebiotics may increase mineral absorption, and the current state of evidence on which mechanism or mechanisms may be most important for the prebiotic effect on mineral absorption.