Abstract
The solubility of a mineral is a principal criterion for its bioavailability. This property within the small intestinal tract may be markedly affected by a dietary protein source which forms a small amount of macropeptides; the latter interact with minerals having different strength of affinity. Such ligand formation between peptide and mineral cations usually lowers the absorption of minerals. However, in some instances-casein phosphopeptide (CPP) for example-a ligand with cation rather enhances absorption. The relationship in the affinity of mineral ions between ligand and the epithelial mucosal membrane is very important in considering the intestinal mineral absorption.
