Can Inulation help boost mineral absorption?
Yes. Inulin, a non-digestible complex carbohydrate, upon ingestion reaches the colon unchanged. There, it is quantitatively fermented by endogenous micro-flora, principally the Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Inulin-mineral complexes (if any) are degraded during this fermentation process, liberating the ions and making them available for absorption. In addition, SCFAs and lactic acid produced by fermentation acidify the colon lumen, lowering its pH by 1 – 2 units. They solubility/bioavailability of many mineral salts, particularly divalent salts, is markedly enhanced by this pH drop. Moreover, research suggests that SCFAs, especially butyrate, stimulates proliferation of colon epithelial cells, thereby increasing absorptive capacity of the epithelium, stimulating absorption of water and electrolytes for improved sports nutrition.
