Calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron balances in young women: effects of a low-phytate barley-fiber concentrate.

The effects of a low-phytate barley-fiber concentrate on calcium, magnesium, and zinc balances and on apparent iron absorption were measured by balance experiments. During the three experimental periods of 22 d each, all subjects consumed the basal diet alone, the basal diet with 15 g barley fiber (high-fiber, high-protein diet), and a modified basal diet containing less protein with 15 g barley fiber (high-fiber, low-protein diet), respectively. The mean daily intake of the cations was 24.4, 25.4, and 22.9 mmol Ca; 10.4, 10.1, and 10.0 mmol Mg; 165.2, 166.8, and 119.3 mumol Zn; and 154.0, 186.2, and 154.0 mumol Fe, respectively. Mean balances were 0.2, 1.9, and -0.8 mmol Ca; 0.3, -0.2; and -0.5 mmol Mg; 3.0, -4.6, and -18.4 mumol Zn. The mean apparent iron absorption was 16.1, 5.4, and -23.2 mumol when these three diets, respectively, were consumed.