The Acute Inflammatory Potential of Particles From the Echinococcus granulosus Laminated Layer Is Moderated by Its Calcium Inositol Hexakisphosphate Component.

Cystic echinococcosis is caused by the tissue-dwelling larva (hydatid) of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. A salient feature is that this larva is protected by the acellular laminated layer (LL). As the parasite grows, the LL sheds abundant particles that can accumulate in the parasite's vicinity. The potential of LL particles to induce inflammation in vivo has not been specifically analysed. It is not known how each of its two major components, namely highly glycosylated mucins and calcium inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) deposits, impacts inflammation induced by the LL as a whole. In this work, we show that LL particles injected intraperitoneally cause infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages as well as the disappearance of resident (large peritoneal) macrophages. Strikingly, the absence of calcium InsP6 enhanced the recruitment of all the inflammatory cell types analysed. In contrast, oxidation of the mucin carbohydrates caused decreased recruitment of neutrophils. The carbohydrate-oxidised particles caused cell influx nonetheless, which may be explained by possible receptor-independent effects of LL particles on innate immune cells, as suggested by previous works from our group. In summary, LL particles can induce acute inflammatory cell recruitment partly dependent on its mucin glycans, and this recruitment is attenuated by the calcium InsP6 component.

Exploring porcine kidney explants as a model for the study of nephrotoxins and the therapeutic potential of phytic acid.

The use of in vivo models to assess nephrotoxicity has faced ethical limitations. A viable alternative is the ex vivo model that combines the 3 R principles with the preservation of tissue histology. Here, we established a gentamicin nephrotoxicity model using pigs` kidney explants and investigated the effect of phytic acid (IP6) against gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 360 kidney explants were divided into control, gentamicin (10 mM), IP6 (5 mM), and gentamicin+IP6 groups. The activity of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), creatinine levels, histological assessment, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine expression were analyzed. Exposure to gentamicin induced an increase in GGT activity, creatinine levels, lesion score, lipoperoxidation and IL-8 expression. Explants exposed to IP6 remained like the control. The addition of IP6 to gentamicin prevented tissue damage, increasing the antioxidant status and gene expression of IL-10. This model proved to be an adequate experimental approach for identifying nephrotoxins and potential products to modulate the toxicity.

Phytic Acid Decreases Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Lesions Induced by Fumonisin B1 and Deoxynivalenol in Intestinal Explants of Pigs.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of phytic acid (IP6) on morphological and immunohistochemical parameters and oxidative stress response in intestinal explants of pigs exposed to fumonisin B1 (FB1) and/or deoxynivalenol (DON). The jejunal explants were exposed to the following treatments: vehicle, IP6 5 mM, DON 10 µM, FB1 70 µM, DON 10 µM + FB1 70 µM, DON 10 µM + IP6 5 mM, FB1 70 µM + IP6 5 mM, and DON 10 µM + FB1 70 µM + IP6 5 mM. The decrease in villus height and goblet cell density was more evident in DON and DON + FB1 treatments. In addition, a significant increase in cell apoptosis and cell proliferation and a decrease in E-cadherin expression were observed in the same groups. DON and FB1 exposure increased cyclooxygenase-2 expression and decreased the cellular antioxidant capacity. An increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in DON- and FB1-treated groups. IP6 showed beneficial effects, such as a reduction in intestinal morphological changes, cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and an increase in E-cadherin expression when compared with DON, FB1 alone, or DON and FB1 in association. IP6 inhibited oxidative stress and increased the antioxidant capacity in the explants exposed to mycotoxins.

Effect of heating and ionic strength on the interaction of bovine serum albumin and the antinutrients tannic and phytic acids, and its influence on in vitro protein digestibility.

Bioavailability of food nutrients can be reduced in the presence of antinutrients such as phytates and tannins. This work aimed to study bovine serum albumin binding to phytic acid and tannic acid, and its influence on in vitro protein digestibility. The effect of autoclaving and boiling on protein digestibility and the microstructure of complexes was also evaluated. Results showed that high ionic strength promotes greater affinity between tannic acid and bovine serum albumin, and decreases in vitro protein digestibility. For phytic acid and bovine serum albumin, the opposite behavior is observed because interactions are governed by electrostatic forces. A rise in temperature above that causing denaturation of the protein favors its interaction with phytic acid, and disfavors that with tannic acid, probably due to different protein binding site exposure. For both antinutrients, heating treatment increased protein hydrolysis, the size of complexes and their fragility.

Understanding the molecular basis of the high oxygen affinity variant human hemoglobin Coimbra.

Human hemoglobin (Hb) Coimbra (ßAsp99Glu) is one of the seven ßAsp99 Hb variants described to date. All ßAsp99 substitutions result in increased affinity for O2 and decreased heme-heme cooperativity and their carriers are clinically characterized by erythrocytocis, caused by tissue hypoxia. Since ßAsp99 plays an important role in the allosteric α1ß2 interface and the mutation in Hb Coimbra only represents the insertion of a CH2 group in this interface, the present study of Hb Coimbra is important for a better understanding of the global impact of small modifications in this allosteric interface. We carried out functional, kinetic and dynamic characterization of this hemoglobin, focusing on the interpretation of these results in the context of a growth of the position 99 side chain length in the α1ß2 interface. Oxygen affinity was evaluated by measuring p50 values in distinct pHs (Bohr effect), and the heme-heme cooperativity was analyzed by determining the Hill coefficient (n), in addition to the effect of the allosteric effectors inositol hexaphosphate (IHP) and 2,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-BPG). Computer simulations revealed a stabilization of the R state in the Coimbra variant with respect to the wild type, and consistently, the T-to-R quaternary transition was observed on the nanosecond time scale of classical molecular dynamics simulations.

The effect of combined inositol hexakisphosphate and inositol supplement in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

Inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) and inositol both regulate insulin secretion, but their combined use in the management of diabetes deserves investigation. The combined effects of IP6 and inositol supplementation were investigated in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. The following groups of rats were studied for 8 weeks: non-diabetic control, non-diabetic high-fat diet control, diabetic untreated, diabetic rats treated with the combination of IP6 and inositol (650 mg/kg bw) and diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg bw). High-fat diet and streptozotocin were used to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus in Sprague-Dawley rats. Body weight, blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulin, serum leptin, HOMA-insulin resistance scores, intestinal amylase activity, serum and faecal lipids and food and fluid consumption were measured. Treatment with the combination significantly reduced blood glucose (306 ± 53 mg/dl) and insulin resistance score (1.93 ± 0.45) compared with diabetic controls (522 ± 24 mg/dl and 5.1 ± 0.69 respectively). Serum leptin (2.8 ± 0.6 ng/dl) and faecal triglycerides (108 ± 8 mg/dl) were significantly increased in rats treated with the combination compared with the diabetic control (1.8 ± 0.06 ng/dl and 86 ± 4 mg/dl). Serum triglyceride (47 ± 5.1 mg/dl), total cholesterol (98 ± 3.2 mg/dl) and food intake (26 ± 0.3 g) were significantly reduced by 45%, 25% and 25%, respectively, in rats treated with the combination compared with the diabetic control. Inositol and IP6 combined supplementation may be effective in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders by regulating some aspects of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Phytic Acid: From Antinutritional to Multiple Protection Factor of Organic Systems.

Several studies have shown the benefits of natural antioxidants on health and food preservation. Phytic acid (IP6) is a natural antioxidant that is found mainly in cereals and vegetables and, for a long period of time, was considered an antinutritional factor. However, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of several pathological conditions and cancer. Despite the numerous benefits of IP6, the signs and intracellular interactions mediated by this antioxidant remain poorly understood. This review describes the main chemical and biological aspects of IP6, as well as its actions in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Cytotoxic effect of inositol hexaphosphate and its Ni(II) complex on human acute leukemia Jurkat T cells.

Inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6) is present in cereals, legumes, nuts and seed oils and is biologically active against some tumor and cancer cells. Herein, this study aimed at evaluating the cellular toxicity, antiproliferative activity and effects on cell cycle progression of free InsP6 and InsP6-Ni(II) of leukemic T (Jurkat) and normal human cells. Treatments with InsP6 at concentrations between 1.0 and 4.0mM significantly decreased the viability of Jurkat cells, but showed no cytotoxic effect on normal human lymphocytes. Treatment with InsP6-Ni(II) complex at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.30 mM showed an anti-proliferative dose and a time-dependent effect, with significantly reduced cell viability of Jurkat cells but showed no cytotoxic effect on normal human lymphocytes as compared to the control. Ni(II) free ion was toxic to normal cells while InsP6-Ni(II) had no cytotoxic effect. The InsP6-Ni(II) complex potentiated (up to 10×) the antiproliferative effect of free InsP6 on Jurkat cells. The cytometric flow assay showed that InsP6 led to an accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, accompanied by a decrease in the number of cells in S and G2/M phases, whereas InsP6-Ni(II) has led to an accumulation of cells in the S and G2/M phases. Our findings showed that InsP6-Ni(II) potentiates cytotoxic effects of InsP6 on Jurkat cells and may be a potential adjuvant in the treatment of cancer.

Effect of phytic acid, tannic acid and pectin on fasting iron bioavailability both in the presence and absence of calcium.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of phytic acid, tannic acid and pectin on fasting non-heme iron bioavailability in both the presence and absence of calcium. RESEARCH METHODS: Twenty-eight apparently healthy adult females participated in two iron absorption studies using radioactive iron isotopes ((59)Fe and (55)Fe). One group received 5mg of iron (as FeSO4) alone (control), together with 10mg of phytic acid, 100mg of tannic acid and 250mg of pectin (study A), on different days. The second group received the same iron doses and compounds as the other group, plus 800mg of calcium (CaCl2) (study B). The compounds were administered after an overnight fast, and no food or beverages were consumed for the following 3h. Iron status and circulating radioactivity were measured in venous blood samples. RESULTS: The geometric means of iron bioavailability (range±1SD) for iron alone, iron with phytic acid, iron with tannic acid, and iron with citrus pectin were 25.0% (11.9-52.0); 18.9% (9.9-35.8); 16.8% (8.7-32.3); and 21.1% (10.2-43.9), respectively (repeated-measures ANOVA, p<0.02 (Dunnett's post hoc: control vs tannic acid p<0.05). When 800mg of calcium was added (study B), iron bioavailability was 16.7% (10.1-27.5); 13.2% (7.1-24.6); 14.8% (8.8-25.1); and 12.6% (5.5-28.8), respectively (repeated-measures ANOVA, NS). CONCLUSIONS: Tannic acid decreases the fasting bioavailability of non-heme iron, however this effect did not exist in the presence of calcium. No effect was observed by phytic acid or citrus pectin on fasting non-heme iron bioavailability in both the presence and absence of calcium.

Effect of calcium, tannic acid, phytic acid and pectin over iron uptake in an in vitro Caco-2 cell model.

Calcium, phytic acid, polyphenols and fiber are major inhibitors of iron absorption and they could be found in excess in some diets, thereby altering or modifying the iron nutrition status. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of calcium, tannic acid, phytic acid, and pectin over iron uptake, using an in vitro model of epithelial cells (Caco-2 cell line). Caco-2 cells were incubated with iron (10-30 µM) with or without CaCl2 (500 and 1,000 µM) for 24 h. Then, cells were challenged with phytic acid (50-150 µM); pectin (50-150 nM) or tannic acid (100-500 µM) for another 24 h. Finally, (55)Fe (10 µM) uptake was determined. Iron dialyzability was studied using an in vitro digestion method. Iron uptake in cells pre-incubated with 20 and 30 µM Fe was inhibited by CaCl2 (500 µM). Iron uptake decreased in cells cultured with tannic acid (300 µM) and CaCl2 (500-1,000 µM) (two-way ANOVA, p = 0.002). Phytic acid also decreased iron uptake mainly when cells were treated with CaCl2 (1,000 µM) (two-way ANOVA; p < 0.05). Pectin slightly decreased iron uptake (p = NS). Iron dialyzability decreased when iron was mixed with CaCl2 and phytic or tannic acid (T test p < 0.0001, for both) but not when mixed with pectin. Phytic acid combined with calcium is a strong iron uptake inhibitor. Pectin slightly decreased iron uptake with or without calcium. Tannic acid showed an unexpected behavior, inducing an increase on iron uptake, despite its low Fe dialyzability.

Effects of phytic acid and exercise on some serum analytes in rats orally exposed to diets supplemented with cadmium.

Cadmium is an environmental pollutant of increasing worldwide concern. It has been reported to be high in the soil where food crops are grown in some parishes of Jamaica. Surprisingly, no adverse effect of cadmium has been reported among the Jamaican population. However, phytic acid has also been shown to be high in some food crops grown in Jamaica. In this study, we evaluated the effects of phytic acid (1 %) and exercise on the metabolism of cadmium (5 mg cadmium/kg body weight) in rats. Five groups of rats were fed as follows: rats fed control diet, control diet supplemented with cadmium and subjected to exercise, control diet supplemented with phytic acid plus cadmium and subjected to exercise, control diet supplemented with cadmium plus phytic acid, and control diet supplemented with cadmium only. The animals were fed for 4 weeks and then sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for some biochemical assays. Percentage weight loss (28.42 %) was greatest in the group that had cadmium supplement only. The group fed control diet supplemented with cadmium only displayed increased liver enzymes and electrolytes except for the significant decrease in bicarbonate compared to other test groups. Similarly, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid were increased in the group fed cadmium supplement only compared to other test groups. Total cholesterol trended downwards in the test groups compared to control. These observations suggest that consumption of diet high in phytic acid with relatively high physical activity may be protective against the adverse effects of cadmium.

Content of zinc, iron and their absorption inhibitors in Nicaraguan common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the staple crop of Nicaragua, provides protein and nonhaem iron, but inhibitors such as phytate may prevent absorption of iron and zinc by the consumer. Warehouses in Nicaragua do not have controlled atmospheres, so beans are exposed to high temperatures and humidities that may accelerate quality loss. To evaluate the impact of 6months of storage on quality, four national accessions of common bean were submitted to two treatments, a conventional warehouse with uncontrolled temperature and humidity, and accelerated ageing at 40°C and 75% RH. Iron content was 61-81mg/kg of which 3-4% was bioavailable, and zinc content was 21-25mg/kg, of which 10-12% was bioavailable. Bioavailability generally increased in storage, significantly so in year-old INTA Linea 628 in accelerated ageing. The concentration of phytate was 8.6-9.6mg/g and it contained 54-63% of the total phosphorus. Improvement in bioavailability of divalent cations is needed.

Phytate addition to soil induces changes in the abundance and expression of Bacillus ß-propeller phytase genes in the rhizosphere.

Phytate-mineralizing rhizobacteria (PMR) perform an essential function for the mineralization of organic phosphorus but little is known about their ecology in soils and rhizosphere. In this study, PCR-based methods were developed for detection and quantification of the Bacillus ß-propeller phytase (BPP) gene. Experiments were conducted to monitor the presence and persistence of a phytate-mineralizing strain, Bacillus sp. MQH19, after inoculation of soil microcosms and within the rhizosphere. The occurrence of the BPP gene in natural pasture soils from Chilean Andisols was also examined. The results showed that the Bacillus BPP gene was readily detected in sterile and nonsterile microcosms, and that the quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods could be used to monitor changes in the abundance of the BPP gene over time. Our results also show that the addition of phytate to nonsterile soils induced the expression of the BPP gene in the rhizosphere of ryegrass and the BPP gene was detected in all pasture soils sampled. This study shows that phytate addition soils induced changes in the abundance and expression of Bacillus BPP to genes in the rhizosphere and demonstrates that Bacillus BPP gene is cosmopolitan in pasture soils from Chilean Andisols.

Phytic acid protects porcine intestinal epithelial cells from deoxynivalenol (DON) cytotoxicity.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of phytic acid (IP(6)) as a possible inhibitor of cellular damage induced by toxic substances such as mycotoxins on a porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-1). We first observed that a dose of 5 mM phytic acid decreases cell viability and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of cell monolayer. We next investigate the effect of non-cytotoxic dose of phytic acid on the deoxinivalenol (DON) induced decreased TEER. We showed that treatment with 0.5 mM or 1.0 mM phytic acid restores the decrease in TEER caused by 25 µM DON. In conclusion this study demonstrates that phytic acid decreased the negative effects of deoxynivalenol on the membrane integrity of the IPEC-1 intestinal epithelial cell line.

Role of oxate, phytate, tannins and cooking on iron bioavailability from foods commonly consumed in Mexico.

The objectives of this research were to assess the bioavailability of iron in foodstuffs found in the Mexican diet, to provide data on the content of iron absorption inhibitors present in plant origin products and to assess the inhibitory effect of these compounds and of cooking on iron bioavailability; therefore, total content and bioavailable iron, tannins, phytic and oxalic acid were determined in vegetables, cereals, legumes and animal products, before and after cooking. Vegetables, although rich in iron, have poor iron bioavailability and a high content of inhibitory factors; cooking reduced the content of iron and inhibitory factors, whereas in animal products the treatment of cooking did not significantly reduce it. Iron bioavailability, phytate content and the phytate to iron molar ratio predicted poor iron bioavailability and, therefore, a negative impact on the nutritional status of people who rely on them as staple foods could be expected.

Apoptotic effects of inositol hexaphosphate on biomarker Itpr3 in induced colon rat carcinogenesis.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of the modulation of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) in the biological immunohistochemistry expression of cellular signaling marker apoptosis, in model of carcinogenesis of colon induced by azoxymethane (AOM). METHODS: Wistar rats (N=112) distributed in 4 groups (n=28): Control; B, AOM (5 mg kg-1, 2x, to break week 3); C, IP6 (in water 1%, six weeks); D, IP6+AOM. Weekly euthanasia (n=7), from week three. Immunohistochemistry of ascendant colon with biological marker inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate receptor type III (Itpr3). Quantification of the immune-expression with use of computer-assisted image processing. Analysis statistics of the means between groups, weeks in groups, groups in weeks, and established significance when p

Apoptotic effects of inositol hexaphosphate on biomarker Itpr3 in induced colon rat carcinogenesis / Efeito de apoptose do inositol hexafosfato no marcador biológico Itpr3 em carcinogênese induzida de colo em ratos

PURPOSE: To study the effect of the modulation of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) in the biological immunohistochemistry expression of cellular signaling marker apoptosis, in model of carcinogenesis of colon induced by azoxymethane (AOM). METHODS: Wistar rats (N=112) distributed in 4 groups (n=28): Control; B, AOM (5 mg kg-1, 2x, to break week 3); C, IP6 (in water 1 percent, six weeks); D, IP6+AOM. Weekly euthanasia (n=7), from week three. Immunohistochemistry of ascendant colon with biological marker inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate receptor type III (Itpr3). Quantification of the immune-expression with use of computer-assisted image processing. Analysis statistics of the means between groups, weeks in groups, groups in weeks, and established significance when p<0.05. RESULTS: One proved significant difference between groups in the expression of Itpr3, p<0.0001; with Itpr3 reduction of BxD group, p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Inositol hexaphosphate promotes modulation of biological markers with reduction of Itpr3 in carcinogenesis of colon.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Estudar os efeitos da modulação do inositol hexafosfato (IP6) na expressão imunoistoquímica de marcador biológico de sinalização celular de apoptose, em modelo de carcinogênese induzida pelo azoximetano (AOM). MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar (N=112) distribuídos em 4 grupos (n=28): A, controle; B, AOM (5 mg Kg-1, 2x, a partir semana 3); C, IP6 (em água a 1 por cento, seis semanas); D, IP6+AOM. Eutanásia semanal (n=7), a partir de semana três. Imunoistoquímica de colo ascendente com marcador biológico inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor type III (Itpr3). Quantificação da imunoexpressão com uso de processamento imagem assistida computador. Análise estatística da expressão média entre grupos, semanas em grupos e grupos em semanas, e estabelecido significância quando p<0.05. RESULTADOS: Evidenciou-se diferença significante entre grupos na expressão de Itpr3, p<0.0001; com diminuição Itpr3 de grupo BxD, p<0.001. CONCLUSÃO: O inositol hexafostato promove a modulação de marcador biológico com diminuição Itpr3 em carcinogênese de colo.(AU)

Apoptotic effects of inositol hexaphosphate on biomarker Itpr3 in induced colon rat carcinogenesis

PURPOSE: To study the effect of the modulation of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) in the biological immunohistochemistry expression of cellular signaling marker apoptosis, in model of carcinogenesis of colon induced by azoxymethane (AOM). METHODS: Wistar rats (N=112) distributed in 4 groups (n=28): Control; B, AOM (5 mg kg-1, 2x, to break week 3); C, IP6 (in water 1 percent, six weeks); D, IP6+AOM. Weekly euthanasia (n=7), from week three. Immunohistochemistry of ascendant colon with biological marker inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate receptor type III (Itpr3). Quantification of the immune-expression with use of computer-assisted image processing. Analysis statistics of the means between groups, weeks in groups, groups in weeks, and established significance when p<0.05. RESULTS: One proved significant difference between groups in the expression of Itpr3, p<0.0001; with Itpr3 reduction of BxD group, p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Inositol hexaphosphate promotes modulation of biological markers with reduction of Itpr3 in carcinogenesis of colon.

OBJETIVO: Estudar os efeitos da modulação do inositol hexafosfato (IP6) na expressão imunoistoquímica de marcador biológico de sinalização celular de apoptose, em modelo de carcinogênese induzida pelo azoximetano (AOM). MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar (N=112) distribuídos em 4 grupos (n=28): A, controle; B, AOM (5 mg Kg-1, 2x, a partir semana 3); C, IP6 (em água a 1 por cento, seis semanas); D, IP6+AOM. Eutanásia semanal (n=7), a partir de semana três. Imunoistoquímica de colo ascendente com marcador biológico inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor type III (Itpr3). Quantificação da imunoexpressão com uso de processamento imagem assistida computador. Análise estatística da expressão média entre grupos, semanas em grupos e grupos em semanas, e estabelecido significância quando p<0.05. RESULTADOS: Evidenciou-se diferença significante entre grupos na expressão de Itpr3, p<0.0001; com diminuição Itpr3 de grupo BxD, p<0.001. CONCLUSÃO: O inositol hexafostato promove a modulação de marcador biológico com diminuição Itpr3 em carcinogênese de colo.

Release of iron, zinc, and lead from common iron construction bars and zinc metallic bars in water solutions and meals.

BACKGROUND: The use of iron pots has decreased the prevalence of anemia. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the release of iron, zinc, and lead from metallic iron and zinc bars incubated in water and in meals. METHODS: Iron, zinc, and lead concentrations were measured at different incubation conditions in water and in meals. RESULTS: The iron concentration in water was 1.26 mg/L after incubation with one iron bar at pH 7 and 100 degrees C for 20 minutes and in meals was 0.97 mg per 100 g of wet meals, rich in phytate, cooking at 100 degrees C during 20 minutes. The maximum contents were 7720 mg/L of iron and 1826 mg/L of zinc in vinegar at pH 3 and 20 degrees C after 90 and 32 days, respectively. Lead was released from the bars, but at concentrations well below the upper tolerable limits. DISCUSSION: In outreach populations, the use of iron and zinc metallic bars in water and meals could contribute to sustainable, very low-cost prevention of iron and zinc deficiencies, and home-fortified vinegar could be used for treatment of both deficiencies. CONCLUSIONS: Field trials should be performed to determine the impact that the use of iron and zinc metallic bars in water and meals might have on the iron and zinc status of population groups.