Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Micronutrient bioavailability: concepts, influencing factors, and strategies for improvement

Richards JD, Cori H, Rahn M, Finn K, Bárcena JE, Kanellopoulos AK, Péter S, Spooren A

Front Nutr · 2025.0

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Summary

This narrative review, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, synthesises current knowledge on the biological and dietary determinants of micronutrient bioavailability across key vitamins and minerals. It examines how factors such as food form, meal composition, anti-nutritional compounds, and host physiology influence the extent to which ingested micronutrients are absorbed and utilised. The paper is likely intended to inform both nutritional science and public health strategies aimed at addressing micronutrient inadequacy.

UK applicability

The review's findings are broadly applicable to UK public health and dietary guidance, particularly given ongoing concerns about micronutrient inadequacy in certain population groups identified in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Strategies discussed for improving bioavailability may inform UK food policy, dietary recommendations, and food fortification programmes.

Key measures

Micronutrient absorption rates; bioavailability modifiers (e.g. phytate, vitamin C, dietary fat); nutrient status biomarkers; estimated dietary intake adequacy

Outcomes reported

The paper likely reviews the physiological and dietary factors that influence the absorption and utilisation of key micronutrients, and evaluates evidence-based strategies to improve bioavailability in human populations. It may assess the role of food matrix composition, processing methods, and nutrient interactions in determining effective micronutrient status.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Micronutrient nutrition & bioavailability
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Human clinical
DOI
10.3389/fnut.2025.1646750
Catalogue ID
WP0087

Topic tags

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