A narrative review: in-vitro methods for assessing bio-accessibility/bioavailability of iron in plant-based foods

Sulaiman, N., Givens, D. I. and Anitha, S. (2021) A narrative review: in-vitro methods for assessing bio-accessibility/bioavailability of iron in plant-based foods. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5. 727533. ISSN 2571-581X doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.727533

Abstract/Summary

In-vitro measurement has the advantage of rapid and convenient method of screening the iron bioavailability within the range of plant-based foods. It is important to do preliminary screening as it provides information which will be useful to identify promising plant sources of iron before moving to human trials. A review on in-vitro methods of bio-accessibility and bioavailability of iron in plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, cereals and legumes is entailed here. The review will focus on in-vitro methods of iron bioavailability in plant-based foods and the effects of inhibitors and processing on the iron bioavailability. The variation of the methods and updates on a recent INFOGEST method used to measure the bioavailability of iron in plant-based foods will also be discussed.