Influence of genotype, fortifying agents, and addition of ascorbic acid on mineral bioaccessibility in refined wheat flours using MIP OES

The influence of two fortifying agents (ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate), the addition of three concentrations of ascorbic acid (0.04%, 0.1%, and 0.5%), and three distinct genotypes on the mineral bioaccessibility in refined wheat flours were evaluated. An in vitro digestion method assessed the bioaccessibility of minerals Zn, Fe, Cu, B, K, Mg, Mn, Al, and Ni. Determinations were carried out using microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES). The type of fortifying agent influenced the bioaccessibility of minerals Zn, Cu, B, Mg, Al, and Ni. Higher bioaccessibility of Zn was observed in flours fortified with fumarate; however, the TBIO Astro wheat flour fortified with sulfate showed a higher value of bioaccessible iron (61.44%). The genotype influenced the bioaccessibility of minerals mainly through the concentration of phytates and tannins. Ascorbic acid contributed to the promotion of Fe bioaccessibility, increasing from 51.35% to 98.02% in TBIO calibre genotype, in addition to reducing the bioaccessibility of Al. This study provided a holistic perspective to enhance the mineral bioaccessibility in fortified wheat flours to promote food security without requiring significant changes in the population's consumption pattern. [Display omitted] •Genotype, fortifying agent, and the addition of ascorbic acid influenced the mineral bioaccessibility.•Tannins and phytates acted as complexants and reduced the bioaccessibility of Fe and K.•Flours fortified with ferrous fumarate achieved higher bioaccessibility of Zn.•Ascorbic acid enhanced the bioaccessibility of Fe and reduced the bioaccessibility of Al.