Stable Iron Isotope Studies in Rwandese Women Indicate That the Common Bean Has Limited Potential as a Vehicle for Iron Biofortification
Abstract
Biofortification of plants is a new approach to combat iron deficiency. Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) can be bred with a higher iron concentration but are rich in iron absorption inhibitors, phytic acid (PA), and polyphenols (PP). To evaluate the potential of beans to combat iron deficiency, three iron absorption studies were carried out in 61 Rwandese women with low iron status. Studies 1 and 2 compared iron absorption from high and low PP beans, similar in PA and iron, fed as bean puree in a double meal design or with rice and potatoes as multiple meals. Study 3 compared iron absorption from high and normal iron beans with similar PP levels and a PA:iron molar ratio, fed with potatoes or rice in multiple meals. Iron absorption was measured as erythrocyte incorporation of stable iron isotopes. In study 1, iron absorption from the high PP bean (3.4%) was 27% lower (P 0.05). In study 3, iron absorption from the high iron bean (3.8%) was 40% lower (P
Citation
Petry, N.; Egli, I.; Gahutu, J.B.; Tugirimana, P.L.; Boy, E.; Hurrell, R. . Stable Iron Isotope Studies in Rwandese Women Indicate That the Common Bean Has Limited Potential as a Vehicle for Iron Biofortification. Journal of Nutrition (2012) 142 (3) 492-497. [DOI: 10.3945/jn.111.149286]