Natto mucilage containing poly-gamma-glutamic acid increases soluble calcium in the rat small intestine.

We prepared natto (fermented soybeans) mucilage containing poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) from commercial natto. The effect of natto mucilage on calcium (Ca) solubility in vitro and in vivo was investigated. Ca solubility in vitro increased with an increase in the amount of natto mucilage, due to inhibition of the formation of an insoluble complex of Ca with phosphate by natto mucilage. Rats were fed with 5 g of soybean protein isolate, natto, mucilage-free natto, or natto mucilage diet for 1.5 h. Small intestinal contents were collected 2.5 h after ingestion. In the lower half of the small intestine, both the amount and the percentage of soluble Ca of intestinal contents were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in rats fed with natto mucilage diet than in those fed with the other diets. Natto mucilage also increased Ca solubility in vivo. These results suggested that gamma-PGA is responsible for the increasing effect of natto mucilage on Ca solubility.