Effect of popping and fermentation on proximate composition, minerals and absorption inhibitors, and mineral bioavailability of Amaranthus caudatus grain cultivated in Ethiopia.

This study evaluated the effect of popping and fermentation on the chemical composition of three types of Amaranthus caudatus grains cultivated in Ethiopia. Proximate composition, minerals and mineral absorption inhibitors were analyzed. Popping caused a decrease in protein content by 4 % and an increase in fat, ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents by 12, 10, 15 and 67 %, respectively. While fermentation increased protein, fat and ash content by 3, 22 and 14 %, respectively but did not significantly change ADF and NDF content. Fe, Ca and phytic acid (IP6) decreased during popping but Mg, Zn, galloyl and catechol did not change significantly. On the other hand, fermentation increased Fe and Mg content but decreased IP6, galloyl and catechol content. The decrease in mineral absorption inhibitors especially IP6 during popping and fermentation could contribute to enhance mineral bioavailability. However, due to the presence of high phytate content in raw amaranth, all IP6-to-mineral molar ratios were above the recommended values.