Lactic Fermentation of Non-Tannin and High-Tannin Cereals: Effects on In Vitro Estimation of Iron Availability and Phytate Hydrolysis

The effect on iron availability estimated in vitro and phytate hydrolysis was investigated in non-tannin and high-tannin cereals, lactic fermented as flour/water slurries or gruels. A natural starter culture initiated fermentation and addition of germinated flour and phytase in the fermentation process was tested. Lactic fermentation of nontannin cereals with added flour germinated sorghum seeds or wheat phytase increased iron solubility from about 4% up to 9 and 50%, respectively. Soaking flour in water before adding starter culture had a similar effect. The increase in soluble iron was strongly related to enzymatic deeradation of phytate (p<0.001). The reduction of inositol hexa- and pentaphosphates was about 50% with added germinated flour. Reduction was > 90% after soaking the flour prior to fermentation and almost complete with 50 mg phytase added. High-tannin cereals showed a minor increase in soluble iron after fermentation, ascribed to the inhibitory effect of tannins (both on iron solubility and on enzymatic hydrolysis of phytate). Lactic-fermented cereal foods have a potential in developing countries to improve iron nutrition.     

The effect of fruit extracts with polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity on the in vitro accessibility of iron in high-tannin sorghum

Dephytinized high-tannin sorghum flour was incubated with crude extracts from pear, banana or avocado, respectively, followed by investigation of the effects on the phenolic content and on in vitro accessible iron. All fruits contained polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and incubation resulted in significant reduction of phenolic compounds. Incubation with avocado extract resulted in the lowest levels of phenolic compounds, as well as the highest amount of in vitro accessible iron. Peroxidase activity and some organic acids in the fruit extracts might also have contributed to the positive effect on iron accessibility. Nevertheless, incubation of the sorghum flour with the fruit extracts under conditions enabling the PPO to oxidize phenolic compounds, resulted in the highest accessibility of iron. The results from this study suggest that the PPO activity in simple fruit extracts can be utilized to increase the accessibility of iron in dephytinized polyphenol-containing cereal foods.     

Influence of Milling Method and Peanut Extract on in vitro Iron Availability from Maize and Sorghum Flour Gruels

Maize and sorghum flours were milled by four different methods (a traditional, semi-traditional, mechanical and industrial method). Iron availability was estimated by an in vitro technique. The total, soluble and ionizable (available) iron as well as the phytate and neutral detergent fiber content of the gruels varied with type of flour and also with amount of peanut used in the preparation. The ionizability of iron decreased with increases in phytate and neutral detergent fiber. Iron in the gruels from flours milled by the traditional method was more available than that in other gruels.     

体外消化/Caco-2细胞模型分析发酵对面粉铁生物利用率的影响

中国居民膳食以谷物为主食,谷物中铁吸收率低是造成营养性贫血的主要原因,适当的加工方式可缓解谷物中植酸、多酚等物质对铁生物利用率(Fe bioavailability,FeBV)的影响。为考察酵母发酵对面粉FeBV的影响,采用体外消化/Caco-2细胞模型。结果表明,面团在发酵后pH值呈下降趋势,酸度呈上升趋势;多酚、植酸含量降低,植酸酶活性升高,以上各指标在发酵前后差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。发酵后面粉样品的FeBV增加约5%~38%,大多数面粉FeBV发酵前后比较,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:发酵可降低面粉的pH值,增加酸度,有利于面粉多酚和植酸的降解以及植酸酶活力的升高,可有效提高面粉FeBV。     

Potential for improvement in yeast nutrition in raw whole grain sorghum and maize lager brewing and bioethanol production through grain genetic modification and phytase treatment

Brewing and bioethanol production with raw grain and exogenous enzymes produces wort with satisfactory hot water extract (HWE). However, the free amino nitrogen (FAN) and mineral content can be too low, owing to low protein digestibility (PD) and phytate–mineral chelation, respectively. This study evaluated the potential for improvement in yeast nutrition in raw whole sorghum and maize brewing and bioethanol production by genetic modification (GM) of sorghum to improve PD and reduce phytate content, and by treatment with exogenous phytase. While phytase addition decreased sorghum spent grain phytate content (88%) and content of minerals (17 to 59%; i.e. increased wort mineral content), it did not affect maize phytate spent grain mineral content or HWE significantly. However, phytase addition did increase maize wort FAN (20%), sorghum HWE (2.8 percentage points) and wort FAN (23%). GM sorghum gave reduced spent grain mineral contents (11–38%), increased HWE (5.5 percentage points) and wort FAN (71%). Hence, genetic modification of sorghum to improve PD and reduce phytate content has considerable potential in raw grain brewing and bioethanol production to improve yeast nutrition. Copyright © 2012 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Enzymatic Reduction of Phytate in Whole Wheat Breads

The presence of phytate in flour may be responsible for reduced bioavailability of iron, magnesium, zinc, and calcium from bread. The effect of various concentrations of commercial phytase or phosphatase added to whole wheat flour-yeast doughs on their phytate and nonphytate phosphorus content has been investigated. By using 2.0% (flour basis) of phytase and 0.11% phosphatase the initial phytate phosphorus concentration of the dough was reduced to 1/8 and 1/12 of its initial values, respectively. Storage of the whole wheat breads for up to 96 hr at room temperature showed further significant reduction of phytate phosphorus. The phytate phosphorus content of yeast leavened whole wheat breads decreased during 2 hours of dough fermentation, baking and the subsequent 48 hours of storage at room temperature from 24 mg/100g dough (dry matter) to 1.7 mg/100g bread (dry matter); the phytate phosphorus continued to decrease and after 96 hours storage it was 0.6 mg/100g bread.     

Nutrient content of complementary foods based on processed and fermented sorghum, groundnut, spinach, and mango

BACKGROUND: Many African mothers use gruels made of maize and sorghum as complementary foods for their infants because they cannot afford the cost of nutritionally superior commercial weaning foods. OBJECTIVE: To improve the nutritional quality of traditional sorghum gruels used as complementary foods for children between six months and five years in the northern part of Cameroon. METHODS: Sorghum grains were processed by dehulling, sprouting, dehulling and cooking, and sprouting and cooking, then fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisae and tested for nutritional quality. The processed samples were analyzed for their nutrient composition and the digestibility of proteins and carbohydrates. RESULTS: The resulting products showed a significant reduction in antinutritional factors (e.g., phenolic compounds and phytates). In addition, germination improved the in vitro digestibility of proteins and carbohydrates. These effects were enhanced by fermentation of the resulting sorghum flour, regardless of how grains were pretreated, although the protein and mineral content remained low. Use of a composite flour made from pretreated sorghum, groundnut, spinach, and mango improved the protein, mineral, and vitamin A and C content of the gruels. Fermentation of composite flours resulted in an improvement in the protein content. CONCLUSIONS: This study, conducted under local conditions and using local technology, describes an opportunity for improving the quality of complementary foods using local ingredients.     

Modulation of chelating factors,trace minerals and their estimated bioavailability in Italian and African sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) porridges

Factors able to modulate chelating factors, trace minerals and their bioavailability were investigated in porridges of five sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) varieties: from Nigeria, Senegal, Burkina Faso and two from Italy. Effects of variety and traditional fermentation and cooking were assessed on iron‐binding phenolic groups, phytates and iron and zinc content and bioavailability. Chelating factors, trace elements as well as the effect of processing (mainly fermentation) were modulated by variety. Fermentation decreased iron‐binding phenolic groups until 49% and phytate content until 72% as well as increased phytase activity 3.4–16.4 fold, leading to enhancement of iron and zinc estimated bioavailability. Cooking alone had almost no effect. The lowest chelating factors content and the highest trace minerals bioavailability were shown by fermented Senegal landrace, whereas the Italian varieties overall showed the worst results. The results indicate that selection of traditional varieties and appropriate processing methods can improve sorghum nutritional value.     

Effect of amylase-rich flour (ARF) treatment on the viscosity of fermented complementary foods

Grains of cowpea and maize and slices of fresh cassava, cocoyam, plantain, and yam were steep-fermented in water, while flours from the same plant materials were fermented by backslopping for 24 to 30 hours. The pH and apparent viscosity of the gruels from the resulting flours were determined. Loss in weight due to fermentation was higher in fresh tubers than in dry grains. The pH of the flours decreased during fermentation. Measurements showed that the apparent viscosity only of gruels from flours produced by backslopping decreased after 24 hours. The apparent viscosity of gruels from steep-fermented flours was higher than that of the unfermented flours and those produced by backslopping. The apparent viscosity reduction of gruels from steep-fermented flours using amylase-rich flour (ARF) from five-day white sorghum malt was better with the prepared gruels than when applied to the flour-in-tap-water suspension before it was used to prepare gruels. Viscosity reduction using ARF was also better with the fermented gruels than with gruels from unfermented flours. The implications of these results for the formulation of complementary flour blends for infant feeding are discussed.     

Impact of brewing process operations on phytate, phenolic compounds and in vitro solubility of iron and zinc in opaque sorghum beer

Opaque sorghum beer is a significant component of the diet of millions of poor people in rural Africa. This study reports the effect of traditional brewing operations on its level of micronutrients, especially iron and zinc. The example of a West African sorghum beer, tchoukoutou, in Northern Benin was studied. The beer was characterized and the impact of process unit operations on phytate, phenolic compounds, and Zn and Fe in vitro solubility was evaluated. The major microorganisms involved in the beer fermentation were Saccharomyces cerevisiae and heterofermentative lactobacilli. The manufacturing process reduces the phytate content by nearly 95%, particularly during germination, mashing-boiling and fermentation. The level of reactive phenolic groups increased as a result of germination and fermentation as well as from a shift in dry matter composition. Simultaneously with these modifications, an increase of Fe solubility was observed, and a correlation between phytate and Fe solubility (R²=0.85) was established. No clear correlation could be established between the Zn solubility and the phytate content of the products. During beer manufacturing, significant losses of minerals occur particularly during soaking and mashing/filtration; thus the quantity of minerals available to consumers is restricted. Improvements aiming to minimize such losses are highly desirable.     

Comparison of enhancement in bioaccessible iron and zinc in native and fortified high‐phytate oilseed and cereal composites by activating endogenous phytase

In developing countries, iron and zinc deficiencies are mostly attributable to poor bioavailability of iron and zinc. The study aimed at enhancing the bioaccessibility of minerals in high‐phytate oilseed and cereal flour mixes by activating the intrinsic phytase of wheat flour. The flour mixes were fortified with iron and zinc separately for comparison. The flour mixes were incubated at optimum conditions of temperature and pH for phytase activation. Phytase activation enhanced bioaccessible iron by 43–162% in native and 40–168% in fortified wheat–soya, 83–192% in native and 97–240% in fortified wheat–groundnut flour mixes in relation to control flour mixes. Bioaccessible zinc was enhanced by 87–183% in native and 30–113% in fortified wheat–soya, 31–65% in native and 61–186% in fortified wheat–groundnut flour mixes. Endogenous phytase activation was effective in enhancing bioaccessibility of iron and zinc in native and fortified flour composites economically.     

Effect of malting and fermentation on antinutrients,and total and extractable minerals of high and low phytate corn genotypes

Two corn genotypes, Var‐113 (high phytate) and TL‐98B‐6225‐9 × TL617 (low phytate), were germinated for 6 days. The germinated grains were dried and milled. A mixture of 5% malt and 95% corn flour was fermented for 14 days. Phytic acid and polyphenol contents and hydrochloric acid (HCl) extractability of minerals from the fermented flours were determined at the intervals of 2 days during fermentation. Phytic acid and polyphenol contents decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with an increase in fermentation time, with a concomitant increase in HCl‐extractable minerals. For both genotypes, the major mineral content was increased, while that of trace minerals was increased but at slow rate with fermentation time. When the grains were fermented for 14 days, TL‐98B‐6225‐9 × TL617 genotype had higher extractable calcium and Var‐113 had higher extractable phosphorus, whereas iron and manganese recorded high extractability levels in Var‐113. There was good correlation between phytate and polyphenol level reduction and the increment in extractable minerals with fermentation time.     

Phytase and Citric Acid Supplementation in Whole-Wheat Bread Improves Phytate-phosphorus Release and Iron Dialyzability

ABSTRACT Conditions were established for maximizing phytate breakdown in whole‐wheat flour (wwf) during bread baking and for assessing the effects of dephytinization on dialyzability of intrinsic and added iron in the bread. Three different sources of phytase (Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, and Escherichia coli) with various levels of citric acid (0 to 6.25 g/kg wwf) were used. Supplementing citric acid at 6.25 g/kg wwf enhanced phytate degradation catalyzed by intrinsic phytase from 42% in the untreated bread to 69% (P < 0.05). Supplementation of microbial phytase (285 units/kg) plus 3.125 or 6.25 g citric acid/kg wwf further enhanced phytate reduction up to 85%. Compared with the untreated bread, citric acid alone and the combination of citric acid and phytase enhanced total iron dialyzability by 12‐ and 15‐fold, respectively, while the combination of phytase, citric acid, and ascorbic acid improved total iron dialyzability in the mixture by 24‐fold.     

Effects of reducing phytate content in sorghum through genetic modification and fermentation on in vitro iron availability in whole grain porridges

Improved iron availability from sorghum porridges will benefit many malnourished communities in rural Africa, where there is a high prevalence of iron deficiency. This research compared the efficacy of reducing sorghum phytate content by genetic modification (GM) and natural lactic acid fermentation on in vitro iron availability in porridges. GM low phytate, non-tannin (38% phytate reduction) and tannin (36% phytate reduction) sorghums and their null controls were processed into thick unfermented and fermented porridges. The inhibitory effect of the tannins seemed to prevent any increase in in vitro iron availability, regardless of the level of phytate reduction. Only the additive effect of GM in combination with fermentation in reducing the phytate content appeared to cause a substantial increase in in vitro iron availability in the GM fermented porridge (30%) made from the non-tannin line, compared to the GM unfermented porridge (8.9%) or the fermented porridge (17.6%) of the control sorghum. This could be of nutritional significance.     

Effect of malt pretreatment on phytic acid and in vitro protein digestibility of sorghum flour

Sorghum seeds of cultivar Wad Ahemed (phytate: 2.7 mg/g, tannin: 0.96% and 2 h pepsin digestion: 18%) were germinated for three days to obtain 1-, 2- and 3- days old sorghum malts. Sorghum malt was added in concentrations of 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10% to sorghum flour. The mixtures were incubated with shaking for 0, 30, 60, 90 or 120 min. Phytic acid and in vitro protein digestibility were assayed for all treatments. The results revealed that phytate content was significantly reduced. The 10% 3-day-old malt after 120 min incubation, reduced the phytate content by 83%. The in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) was significantly improved as a result of malt pretreatment. The rate of reduction of phytate content and the rate of increment in IVPD increased with time of incubation, age and concentration of the malt.     

Phytate Hydrolysis by Phytase in Cereals; Effects on In Vitro Estimation of Iron Availability

Phytate (inositol hexaphosphate) hydrolysis by endogenous and exogenous phytases was studied for their effect on increasing iron availability in cereals. Wheat bran and whole meal flours of rye and oats were soaked at optimal conditions for phytase activity (55°C, pH 5) for different time intervals. Phytate and its degradation products were determined by HPLC and related to iron solubility under simulated physiological conditions. Small amounts of phytate (< lμmol/g) had a strong negative effect on iron solubility. When inositol hexa- and pentaphosphates of wheat bran and rye flour were completely hydrolyzed by activating endogenous phytase, iron solubility under simulated physiological conditions increased from 3 to 53% (wheat) and 5 to 21% (rye). Addition of wheat phytase to uncooked oatmeal increased iron solubility from 4 to 11 and in precooked to 18%, while endogenous phytase of uncooked oatmeal had less effect on phytate digestion and iron solubility.     

Phytate content and phytate degradation by endogenous phytase in pea (Pisum sativum)

In order to rapidly reduce the content of inositol tri–hexaphosphates in pea flour by action of the endogenous phytase, raw materials as well as incubation conditions have been evaluated. The phytate (inositol hexaphosphate) content was analysed in 27 pea varieties; the influence of storage time and the difference in phytate content between the germ and the cotyledon were determined. Furthermore, degradation of inositol phosphates by the endogenous phytase enzyme was studied in pea flour, germ and cotyledon. To find the maximum phytate degradation, the effects of temperature and pH during pea flour incubation were investigated. The most efficient phytate degradation in pea flour incubation was achieved at pH 7.5 and 45 °C. At this condition an almost complete degradation of phytate and a 66% reduction in the sum of inositol hexa‐, penta‐, tetra‐ and triphosphates were reached in 10 h. The storage time of pea seeds or removal of the germ did not have a major effect on the phytate content. Since several inositol pentaphosphate isomers were produced during phytate degradation, it can be concluded that peas contain several phytate‐degrading enzymes, or one phytate‐degrading enzyme with unspecific initial hydrolysation pattern. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.     

Effect of malt pretreatment on phytate and tannin level of two sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars

The seeds of two cultivars of Sudanese sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), namely Wad Ahmed and Tabat, were germinated for 4 days to obtain 1‐, 2‐ and 4‐day‐old malts. Sorghum malt (5% and 10%) was added to sorghum flour. The mixtures were incubated at 30 °C with shaking for 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Malting loss was very slight for both cultivars and for all incubation periods. Phytic acid and tannin contents were assayed for all treatments. The results revealed that phytate and tannin contents were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced when sorghum flour was pretreated with malt. When a mixture containing 10%, 4‐day‐old malt and sorghum flour was incubated for 120 min, it significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced phytate and tannin contents by 92% and 98%, respectively, for Wad Ahmed cultivar, while for Tabat they were reduced by 93% and 96%, respectively. The rate of reduction of phytate and tannin content increased with incubation time and malt age and concentration.     

Effect of food processing of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) IKMP‐5 on the level of phenolics,phytate, iron and zinc

Pearl millet is consumed as a staple food in semi‐arid tropical regions. With a view to upgrading the micronutrient status of pearl millet‐based foods, the effects of single operations and of porridge preparation scenarios on levels and in vitro solubility (IVS) of iron and zinc and mineral complexing factors (phytates: inositol phosphates and phenolic compounds) were tested. Disc milling of grain may add significant iron but this is not necessarily IVS iron. Soaking of grains results in a 25% loss of iron, but also facilitates endogenous phytate degradation, particularly when combined with milling and cooking. Germination and lactic acid fermentation both result in partial phytate degradation. Cooking does not decompose phytates, but results in complex formation of phenolic compounds as measured by a significant reduction in reactive hydroxyl groups. Because of its different distribution in the grain, zinc is generally less affected than iron. Phytate reduction by endogenous phytases is inhibited at low pH as caused by fermentation. Kanwa (alkaline rock salt) could be a functional cooking ingredient as a source of minerals and to react with phenolic substances. The relative IVS of iron was doubled by germination of grain and increased 3‐fold by fermentation of wholemeal slurry. Zinc IVS tended to increase on cooking with kanwa, but decreased in cooked fermented flour. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Losses of nutrients and anti-nutritional factors during abrasive decortication of two pearl millet cultivars (Pennisetum glaucum)

Losses of nutrients such as starch, lipids, proteins, iron and zinc as well as phytase activity and of recognised anti-nutritional compounds (some insoluble fibres, iron-binding phenolic compounds and phytates) were determined following abrasive decortication of grains from two pearl millet cultivars (Gampela and IKMP-5) with different composition cultivated in Burkina Faso. In both cultivars, abrasion of the starchy endosperm started when about 12% of the dry matter had been removed from grains but lipid and protein losses followed the loss of dry matter. Zinc loss (%) was lower than that of iron; however, both were higher than dry matter losses. By contrast, phytate loss was lower than dry matter loss. Interestingly, decortication led to significant losses in fibres and iron-binding phenolic compounds with different level depending on the cultivar. Changes in phytase activity also differed in the two cultivars (42% and 11% losses of phytase activity in grains from Gampela and IKMP-5 cultivars, respectively, at 12% of abrasion). Hence, decortication of pearl millet grains does not decrease lipid and protein contents but does considerably decrease some anti-nutritional factors (part of the fibres and iron-binding phenolic compounds). However, as mineral contents and particularly iron content decreased while phytate content remains high, decortication may be insufficient to increase Fe and Zn bioavailability.