Effects of low phytate soymilk intake on calcium, iron and zinc status in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract

To compare effects of low phytate soymilk and regular soymilk consumption on the long-term mineral status in the body via rodent models. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control (CON), soymilk (SM) and low phytate soymilk group (LPSM), with 28 days’ intervention. Compared to CON, serum Ca, hemoglobin and transferrin, femur Zn level from both SM and LPSM group were elevated, while serum Fe, RDW and Zn from SM group were decreased. Serum and liver Zn level from LPSM group was significantly higher compared to SM group. In comparison with CON and SM, Ca level in the femur and liver, bone mineral density of cortical and trabecular bone from LPSM were increased. LPSM was capable of improving bone quality, maintaining circulating Fe and Zn levels, and liver Fe storage compared to SM group. Further studies on human subjects are required to explore low phytate soymilk consumption on Ca, Fe and Zn status.

Keywords

• Phytic acid
• Calcium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Bioavailability
• Soy milk