Effects of pH on mineral-phytate, protein-mineral-phytate, and mineral-fiber interactions. Possible consequences of atrophic gastritis on mineral bioavailability from high-fiber foods.

A common gastrointestinal tract problem afflicting the elderly is that of reduced hydrochloric acid secretion by the stomach mucosa. This results in raised stomach pH values and in reduced activity of the digestive enzyme pepsin, which is responsible for the hydrolysis of dietary proteins to polypeptides. The effects of these alterations of the stomach on the digestion of high-fiber foods and resultant mineral bioavailability have not been defined. This paper reviews the effects of pH on the mineral-phytate, protein-mineral-phytate, and mineral-fiber interactions that would be present in high-fiber foods. Possible consequences of raised stomach pH values on mineral bioavailability from high-fiber foods are discussed.