Effect of Isabgol husk supplementation on trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn) levels in adolescent girls.

The study was conducted on eleven healthy non-anaemic adolescent girls of 16 to 18 years of age. Balance studies were conducted in two trials of three weeks each on low and high fibre diets. High fibre diet contained 25 g Isabgol husk in addition to low fibre diet. The mean diet and nutrient intakes of the subjects were approximately the same during both trials. Addition of Isabgol husk to low fibre diet significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) increased faecal excretion of zinc, copper and manganese and lowered their apparent retention. The serum levels of these trace minerals decreased significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05). Thus the high level of Isabgol has undesirable effect on trace minerals.