Bioavailability of Zinc and Iron From a Whey-based Protein Supplement Consumed With a Habitual Plant-based Diet

Bioavailability of iron and zinc from habitual plant-based diets consumed by young children in Mexico is low due to the high phytate content. Whey protein has been found to increase zinc absorption, thus, providing a whey based supplement with micronutrients may be an effective strategy to increase iron and zinc bioavailability from plant-based foods and alleviate iron and zinc deficiencies. The investigators compared absorption of zinc and iron in children receiving diets with and without whey protein supplements (WPS).