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Biofortified pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L. provides more bioavailable iron than standard pearl millet: studies in poultry ( Gallus gallus ) and an in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 model (1042.3)
Author(s) -
Tako Elad,
Cherian Binu,
Reed Spenser,
Budiman Jessica,
Glahn Raymond
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.1042.3
Subject(s) - pennisetum , pearl , bioavailability , biofortification , ferritin , food science , zoology , biology , micronutrient , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , agronomy , biochemistry , geography , bioinformatics , archaeology , organic chemistry
Pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L . ) is the most widely grown type of millet, primarily in Africa and the India. Our objective was to compare the capacities of two isolines of pearl millet (standard and Fe biofortified) to deliver Fe for Hb synthesis. In vitro analysis indicated that the biofortified line should provide more Fe (P<0.05), and indicate the presence of high levels of polyphenolic compounds that inhibit Fe absorption. Pearl millet based diets (75% w/w) were formulated except for Fe (dietary Fe concentrations were 22.1±0.5 and 78.6±0.5μg/g) to be tested in vivo ( Gallus gallus ). For 6 wks, Hb, feed‐consumption and BW were measured (n=12). As from wk 5, Hb values were higher (P<0.05) in the biofortified group vs. standard. Also, final total Hb‐Fe content was higher in the biofortified vs. the standard (26.7±1.4 and 15.5±0.8 mg, respectively) groups (P<0.05). DMT‐1, Dcyt‐B, and ferroportin expressions were higher and liver ferritin was lower (P<0.05) in the standard group vs. the biofortified group, indicating adaptive response to Fe deficiency. We conclude that the biofortified pearl millet diet delivered more absorbable Fe and thus represents a promising vehicle for increasing intakes of bioavailable Fe in human populations that consume this dietary staple. Further research into improving the nutritional content of pearl millet should involve assessment of the polyphenolic profile.