BACKGROUND: Genetically modified, low-phytic acid strains of maize were developed to enhance mineral absorption, but have not been tested previously in humans. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the mineral and phytic acid contents of a low-phytic acid "flint" maize (LPM, the lpa-1-1 mutant) and its parent, wild-type strain (WTM) and measured iron absorption from tortillas prepared with each type of maize and from a reference dose of ferrous ascorbate. DESIGN: Proximate composition and mineral and phytic acid contents were measured by standard techniques. Iron absorption from tortillas was evaluated by using the extrinsic tag method and was measured as the incorporation of radiolabeled iron into the red blood cells of 14 nonanemic men 2 wk after intake. RESULTS: The phytic acid content of LPM was 3.48 mg/g, approximately 35% of the phytic acid content of WTM; concentrations of macronutrients and most minerals were not significantly different between strains. Iron absorption results were adjusted to 40% absorption of ferrous ascorbate. Iron absorption was 49% greater from LPM (8.2% of intake) than from WTM (5.5% of intake) tortillas (P < 0.001, repeated-measures analysis of variance). CONCLUSION: Consumption of genetically modified, low-phytic acid strains of maize may improve iron absorption in human populations that consume maize-based diets.
BACKGROUND: Genetically modified, low-phytic acid strains of maize were developed to enhance mineral absorption, but have not been tested previously in humans. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the mineral and phytic acid contents of a low-phytic acid "flint" maize (LPM, the lpa-1-1 mutant) and its parent, wild-type strain (WTM) and measured iron absorption from tortillas prepared with each type of maize and from a reference dose of ferrous ascorbate. DESIGN: Proximate composition and mineral and phytic acid contents were measured by standard techniques. Iron absorption from tortillas was evaluated by using the extrinsic tag method and was measured as the incorporation of radiolabeled iron into the red blood cells of 14 nonanemic men 2 wk after intake. RESULTS: The phytic acid content of LPM was 3.48 mg/g, approximately 35% of the phytic acid content of WTM; concentrations of macronutrients and most minerals were not significantly different between strains. Iron absorption results were adjusted to 40% absorption of ferrous ascorbate. Iron absorption was 49% greater from LPM (8.2% of intake) than from WTM (5.5% of intake) tortillas (P < 0.001, repeated-measures analysis of variance). CONCLUSION: Consumption of genetically modified, low-phytic acid strains of maize may improve iron absorption in human populations that consume maize-based diets.
Authors: Georgia Drakakaki; Sylvain Marcel; Raymond P Glahn; Elizabeth K Lund; Sandra Pariagh; Rainer Fischer; Paul Christou; Eva Stoger Journal: Plant Mol Biol Date: 2005-12 Impact factor: 4.076
Authors: K Michael Hambidge; Nancy F Krebs; Jamie L Westcott; Lei Sian; Leland V Miller; Kevin L Peterson; Victor Raboy Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2005-07 Impact factor: 7.045
Authors: V Raboy; P F Gerbasi; K A Young; S D Stoneberg; S G Pickett; A T Bauman; P P Murthy; W F Sheridan; D S Ertl Journal: Plant Physiol Date: 2000-09 Impact factor: 8.340
Authors: Jorge L Rosado; Margarita Díaz; Elsa Muñoz; Jamie L Westcott; Karla E González; Nancy F Krebs; María C Caamaño; Michael Hambidge Journal: Food Nutr Bull Date: 2012-12 Impact factor: 2.069