Mineral Absorption

The article claims activated psyllium bread may support mineral absorption while conventional fiber or grain bread may reduce it. The mineral absorption claim is under-specified because the article does not identify which minerals improve, effect sizes, populations, or meal conditions. An acidic stomach environment is required to ionize and absorb calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, copper, and iron. The proposed pH mechanism is that increased acidity can improve mineral absorption and inhibit undesirable microbes. Poor mineral absorption from low stomach acid weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to both allergies and asthma. The article says conventional bread may contain compounds such as phytic acid that bind or block minerals.