Some Serum Mineral Profiles in Response to a Slimming Regime Containing Pectin

Abstract

Because of the controversy among reports as to whether dietary fiber interferes with mineral absorption or not, we investigated the effect of dietary citrus pectin in a low-caloric, processed formula on serum calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) in 14 healthy obese Egyptian women undergoing weight reduction over a four-week period. The total caloric supply was 1,000 kcal/day. There was no difference between pre- and post-study values in the serum Ca. This was ascribed to the fact that water-soluble dietary fibers are fermented in the colon with the generation of short-chain fatty acids, which besides being absorbed, also enhance colonic divalent cation absorption. There was a numerical non significant decrease well within the reference values of Zn (-4.87%), Cu(-6.42%), and Fe(-19.65%). These results were discussed in light of the suggestion that the Zn, Cu, and Fe status is one aspect of an integrated acute-phase response. The response might have been triggered earlier by obesity, and later on augmented by the nutritional and psychological stress superimposed by the slimming diet. Hence, we conclude that dieters should be supplemented with minerals to replenish the body resources before embarking on low-energy diets. These diets should be of short duration, and must be interrupted by periods of normal alimentation if the need calls for their repetition. © 1991, SOCIETY FOR FREE RADICAL RESEARCH JAPAN. All rights reserved.