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Inge D Brouwer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Dephytinisation with Intrinsic Wheat Phytase and Iron Fortification Significantly Increase Iron Absorption from Fonio (Digitaria exilis) Meals in West African Women
    PloS one, 2013
    Co-Authors: Yara Koréissi-dembélé, Diego Moretti, Stephan Schuth, Romain Dossa, Ines Egli, Michael B Zimmermann, Nadia Fanou-fogny, Inge D Brouwer
    Abstract:

    Low iron and high phytic acid content make Fonio based meals a poor source of bioavailable iron. Phytic acid degradation in Fonio porridge using whole grain cereals as phytase source and effect on iron bioavailability when added to iron fortified Fonio meals were investigated. Grains, nuts and seeds collected in Mali markets were screened for phytic acid and phytase activity. We performed an iron absorption study in Beninese women (n = 16), using non-dephytinised Fonio porridge (FFP) and dephytinised Fonio porridge (FWFP; 75% Fonio-25% wheat), each fortified with 57Fe or 58Fe labeled FeSO4. Iron absorption was quantified by measuring the erythrocyte incorporation of stable iron isotopes. Phytic acid varied from 0.39 (bambara nut) to 4.26 g/100 g DM (pumpkin seed), with oilseeds values higher than grains and nuts. Phytase activity ranged from 0.17±1.61 (Fonio) to 2.9±1.3 phytase unit (PU) per g (whole wheat). Phytic acid was almost completely degraded in FWFP after 60 min of incubation (pH≈5.0, 50°C). Phytate∶iron molar ratios decreased from 23.7∶1 in FFP to 2.7∶1 in FWFP. Iron fortification further reduced phytate∶iron molar ratio to 1.9∶1 in FFP and 0.3∶1 in FWFP, respectively. Geometric mean (95% CI) iron absorption significantly increased from 2.6% (0.8–7.8) in FFP to 8.3% (3.8–17.9) in FWFP (P

  • dephytinisation with intrinsic wheat phytase and iron fortification significantly increase iron absorption from Fonio digitaria exilis meals in west african women
    PLOS ONE, 2013
    Co-Authors: Yara Koreissidembele, Nadia Fanoufogny, Diego Moretti, Stephan Schuth, Romain Dossa, Ines Egli, Michael B Zimmermann, Inge D Brouwer
    Abstract:

    Low iron and high phytic acid content make Fonio based meals a poor source of bioavailable iron. Phytic acid degradation in Fonio porridge using whole grain cereals as phytase source and effect on iron bioavailability when added to iron fortified Fonio meals were investigated. Grains, nuts and seeds collected in Mali markets were screened for phytic acid and phytase activity. We performed an iron absorption study in Beninese women (n = 16), using non-dephytinised Fonio porridge (FFP) and dephytinised Fonio porridge (FWFP; 75% Fonio-25% wheat), each fortified with 57Fe or 58Fe labeled FeSO4. Iron absorption was quantified by measuring the erythrocyte incorporation of stable iron isotopes. Phytic acid varied from 0.39 (bambara nut) to 4.26 g/100 g DM (pumpkin seed), with oilseeds values higher than grains and nuts. Phytase activity ranged from 0.17±1.61 (Fonio) to 2.9±1.3 phytase unit (PU) per g (whole wheat). Phytic acid was almost completely degraded in FWFP after 60 min of incubation (pH≈5.0, 50°C). Phytate∶iron molar ratios decreased from 23.7∶1 in FFP to 2.7∶1 in FWFP. Iron fortification further reduced phytate∶iron molar ratio to 1.9∶1 in FFP and 0.3∶1 in FWFP, respectively. Geometric mean (95% CI) iron absorption significantly increased from 2.6% (0.8–7.8) in FFP to 8.3% (3.8–17.9) in FWFP (P<0.0001). Dephytinisation of Fonio porridge with intrinsic wheat phytase increased fractional iron absorption 3.2 times, suggesting it could be a possible strategy to decrease PA in cereal-based porridges.

  • Fonio (Digitaria exilis) landraces in Mali: Nutrient and phytate content, genetic diversity and effect of processing
    Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2013
    Co-Authors: Yara Koréissi-dembélé, Nadia Fanou-fogny, Paul J.m. Hulshof, Inge D Brouwer
    Abstract:

    Abstract The study aimed to assess ( i ) the genetic diversity of Fonio ( Digitaria exilis ) landraces in Mali, ( ii ) the nutrient and phytate content in Fonio products and ( iii ) the effect of processing on nutrient content of Fonio products. Twelve Fonio landraces were collected from farmers in central and southern regions of Mali (10 kg/farmer/landrace in paddy form), cleaned and processed in laboratory into paddy, mid wet, cooked and parboiled Fonio. Proximate and nutrient composition were determined using the standard AOAC methods. Three genetic groups were identified and between-individual race variation was observed in one group using the Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) method. Mean iron, zinc and phytate concentrations in paddy were 34.6 mg/100 g, 3.2 mg/100 g and 513.7 mg/100 g dry weight. Processing reduced significantly iron, zinc and phytate content to 1.3 mg/100 g, 2.2 mg/100 g and 129.2 mg/100 g dry weight. [Phytate]/[iron] molar ratio in processed products was above the critical value of 1, suggesting poor iron absorption. Parboiling did not reduce iron and zinc losses due to processing.

  • factors predicting consumption of Fonio grain digitaria exilis among urban malian women of reproductive age
    Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2011
    Co-Authors: Nadia Fanoufogny, Bianca Van Dam, Yara Koreissi, Romain A M Dossa, Inge D Brouwer
    Abstract:

    Objective To identify factors influencing intention to consume an indigenous nutritious grain, Fonio (Digitaria exilis), among women in Mali. Design A cross-sectional questionnaire survey based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Health Belief Model. Setting and Participants One hundred and eight women (31.5 ± 10.5 years), randomly selected by a 3-stage cluster sampling, Bamako, Mali. Main Outcome Measures Model constructs scores, intention to consume Fonio, and Fonio consumption. Analysis Correlation and multiple regression, Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney tests for score comparison. Results Attitudes toward behavior (β = .32, P < .05) was the best predictor of intention to consume Fonio, which was significantly correlated with Fonio consumption (rho = .78, P < .001). Health value (β = .23, P < .05) was a significant predictor of health behavior identity, which was significantly correlated with attitudes toward behavior (rho = .67, P < 0.001) and perceived barriers (rho = .33, P < .001). The latter formed a significant interaction term between intention and behavior (β = -.72, P < .05). Conclusions and Implications Fonio consumption could be increased in Bamako through stimulation of positive attitudes, changing men's beliefs, influencing family and neighbors' opinions, and improving the processing and the skills of women who prepare Fonio.

K. Akpagana - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • flow cytometric analysis reveals different nuclear dna contents in cultivated Fonio digitaria spp and some wild relatives from west africa
    Plant Systematics and Evolution, 2007
    Co-Authors: K. Akpagana, H Adoukonousagbadja, Veit Schubert, A Dansi, Gabriele Jovtchev, Armin Meister, Klaus Pistrick, Wolfgang Friedt
    Abstract:

    Nuclear DNA amounts of 118 cultivated Fonio accessions representing 94 landraces collected from the major growing areas of West-Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Togo) and eight accessions of four wild relatives were investigated by Laser flow cytometry. In cultivated species, average 2C-values ranged from 1.848 ± 0.031 pg for Digitaria iburua to 1.956 ± 0.004 pg for D. exilis. In D. exilis landraces the chromosome number was determined at 2n = 36. The closely related wild species D. longiflora and D. ternata showed similar 2C DNA contents of 1.869 ± 0.035 pg and 1.775 ± 0.070 pg, respectively. Distinctly larger genomes were identified for more distant species D. lecardii and D. ciliaris with 2.660 ± 0.070 pg and 2.576 ± 0.030 pg per 2C nucleus, respectively. Intra-specific variations were found to be slight and insignificant, suggesting genome size stability mainly within the cultivated gene pool. These results support the distance of cultivated Fonio species D. exilis and D. iburua from D. lecardii and D. ciliaris as well as their close relationships with D. longiflora and D. ternata. Relevance of the results for ploidy level considerations in Fonio millets is discussed.

  • Indigenous knowledge and traditional conservation of Fonio millet (Digitaria exilis, Digitaria iburua) in Togo
    Biodiversity & Conservation, 2006
    Co-Authors: H. Adoukonou-sagbadja, A. Dansi, R. Vodouhè, K. Akpagana
    Abstract:

    Fonio millet ( Digitaria exilis Stapf, Digitaria iburua Stapf) is known in Togo far several centuries and has played a strategic role in the household food security mainly in rural areas. Using Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) tools and techniques, 55 villages randomly selected in the two production zones of Togo were surveyed to document the ethnobotanical and indigenous knowledge related to its production, diversity, use and conservation. For all of the ethnic groups involved in Fonio production in Togo (Akposso and Akébou in the south; Losso-Nawda, Lamba, Tamberma, Tchokossi and Gangan in the north), the crop has a high sociocultural value. The Fonio genetic diversity being managed by the farmers seems important as 42 landraces were recorded. Two lines of origin that contributed to this current genetic diversity (local domestication or introduction from neighbouring countries) were reported by the farmers. Cooking qualities, growth cycle, colour and size of the grains are the main criteria used by farmers to describe varieties. According to farmers, Fonio production and diversity are being regressing because of several constraints of which the most important are lack of adequate harvest, threshing and processing technologies and development of pests and diseases. The important ethnobotanical and indigenous data recorded will be useful in accessing the genetic diversity of the crop in Togo and in defining appropriate strategies for its conservation on farm.

  • Indigenous knowledge and traditional conservation of Fonio millet (Digitaria exilis, Digitaria iburua) in Togo
    Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation, 1
    Co-Authors: H. Adoukonou-sagbadja, A. Dansi, R. Vodouhè, K. Akpagana
    Abstract:

    Fonio millet (Digitaria exilis Stapf, Digitaria iburua Stapf) is known in Togo far several centuries and has played a strategic role in the household food security mainly in rural areas. Using Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) tools and techniques, 55 villages randomly selected in the two production zones of Togo were surveyed to document the ethnobotanical and indigenous knowledge related to its production, diversity, use and conservation. For all of the ethnic groups involved in Fonio production in Togo (Akposso and Akebou in the south; Losso-Nawda, Lamba, Tamberma, Tchokossi and Gangan in the north), the crop has a high sociocultural value. The Fonio genetic diversity being managed by the farmers seems important as 42 landraces were recorded. Two lines of origin that contributed to this current genetic diversity (local domestication or introduction from neighbouring countries) were reported by the farmers. Cooking qualities, growth cycle, colour and size of the grains are the main criteria used by farmers to describe varieties. According to farmers, Fonio production and diversity are being regressing because of several constraints of which the most important are lack of adequate harvest, threshing and processing technologies and development of pests and diseases. The important ethnobotanical and indigenous data recorded will be useful in accessing the genetic diversity of the crop in Togo and in defining appropriate strategies for its conservation on farm.

Adeline Barnaud - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Agromorphological Characterization Revealed Three Phenotypic Groups in a Region-Wide Germplasm of Fonio (Digitaria exilis (Kippist) Stapf) from West Africa
    Agronomy, 2020
    Co-Authors: Abdou R. Ibrahim Bio Yerima, E. G. Achigan-dako, Aissata Mamadou, Emmanuel Sekloka, Claire Billot, Charlotte O. A. Adje, Adeline Barnaud, Yacoubou Bakasso
    Abstract:

    Fonio is an ancient orphan cereal, cultivated by resource-poor farmers in arid and semi-arid regions of West Africa, who conserved and used the cereal for nutrition and income generation. However, the extent and patterns of phenotypic variation within the Fonio germplasm remain scarcely evaluated to inform breeding decisions. In this study, we used alpha lattice design to assess the phenotypic variability of 180 Fonio accessions using 20 agro morphological descriptors, including both qualitative and quantitative traits at Bengou research station in 2018 and 2019. Descriptive statistics, combined analysis and multivariate analyses, including principal components analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and multiple factor analysis (MFA) were performed. As results, we found significant differences among Fonio accessions and among agro ecological zones of provenance for most of the quantitative traits. Furthermore, highly significant positive correlations were found between grain yield and other yield-related attributes such as harvest index and thousand seeds weight, whereas significant negative correlations were found between grain yield and flowering and maturity times. Clusters analysis revealed three phenotypic groups. Group 1 was characterized by early maturing Fonio accessions with higher grain yield. Groups 2 and 3 were characterized by late maturing accessions with intermediate to moderate grain yield. The accessions from Group 1 are candidate for yield improvement and development of Fonio lines with enhanced lodging resistance. Accessions from Group 2 and 3 can be improved for yield through marker-assisted selection of best thousand seed weight. This study highlights how traits are correlated within the major phenotypic groups of Fonio in West Africa, and we discussed how these groups could be further exploited for improving traits of economic importance. Furthermore, this study exhibited agro morphological descriptors that discriminate Fonio accessions and provide useful information for parental selection with economically important agronomic traits.

  • Mobilizing neglected and underutilized crop diversity for the future: Fonio, a cereal from Western Africa
    2019
    Co-Authors: Adeline Barnaud, Baye Magatte Diop, Mame Codou Guèye, Ndjido Ardo Kane, Yacoubou Bakasso, Mamadou Billo Barry, Caroline Catalayud, Sandrine Causse, Mathieu Gueye, Cédric Mariac
    Abstract:

    The FAO recently estimated that demand for food would increase by 70% by 2050. The challenge will not only be on increasing the food supply, but also on improving its nutritional value. Until now, despite the call for an increased use of underutilized crops to diversify alimentation and provide sustainable agriculture, those crops remain a largely untapped reservoir of agrobiodiversity. Are they really crops for the future? In this regard, Fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) appears as a promising crop. It is an indigenous staple cereal from Western Africa regarded as a valuable source of income, especially for small-scale farmers. It plays a crucial role in food and nutrition security: short length cycles varieties can be harvested during the shortage season. Nevertheless, Fonio remains largely under-studied compared to other African cereals such as sorghum or millet. The need to characterize its genetic resources and adaptive potential to the fast-evolving environmental pressures is therefore crucial. Herein, we assess the genetic diversity of Fonio and its evolutionary history at both regional and local scale. We show that genetic diversity is highly linked to geographic origin, ethnic groups and climate conditions. We discuss the implication in terms of domestication history and conservation.

  • High selfing rate inferred for white Fonio [Digitaria exilis (Kippist.) Stapf] reproductive system opens up opportunities for breeding programs
    Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 2017
    Co-Authors: Adeline Barnaud, Yacoubou Bakasso, Yves Vigouroux, Sani Idi Saidou, Mamadou Tely Diallo, Marie Piquet, Mamadou Billo Barry, Leila Zekraoui, Ronan Rivallan, Ndjido A. Kane
    Abstract:

    In a context of the global major changes, it is mandatory to enlarge the range of crops supporting food security and pay great attention to neglected and underutilized species. However, basic knowledge of the biology of many neglected and underutilized species is still lacking to increase their yields. In this study, the mating system of white Fonio [ Digitaria exilis (Kippist.) Stapf], a West African minor and promising cereal, is assessed. Progenies arrays from both homozygous and heterozygous mothers were genotyped with microsatellites markers. The rate of genotyping errors in the experiments was assessed and a likelihood framework was used to determine the probability of different mating systems: outcrossing, self-fertilization and apomixis. The results suggested that white Fonio has a highly selfing reproductive system with a possible outcrossing rate of 1.7%. Understanding the reproduction system of white Fonio opens up opportunities for more effective breeding programs and a wider use of this cereal for food security improvement.

  • (Kippist.) Stapf.] au Niger
    2016
    Co-Authors: Sani Idi Saidou, Claire Billot, Adeline Barnaud, Yacoubou Bakasso, Maman Maarouhi Inoussa, Mainassara Zaman-allah, Sanoussi Atta, Mahamane Saadou
    Abstract:

    Diversité agro-morphologique des accessions de Fonio [Digitaria exili

  • Réponse du Fonio blanc ( Digitaria exilis Stapf) à l’inoculation avec des champignons mycorhiziens à arbuscules en conditions semi-contrôlées
    Journal of Applied Biosciences, 2016
    Co-Authors: Fatou Ndoye, Adeline Barnaud, Abdala G. Diedhiou, Moustapha Gueye, Dioumacor Fall, Kandioura Noba, Diégane Diouf, Aboubacry Kane
    Abstract:

    Objectif : Le Fonio blanc ( Digitaria exilis Stapf), malgre ses nombreuses qualites nutritionnelles et therapeutiques, est considere comme une culture negligee ou mineure dans plusieurs pays ouest-africains. Bien que le Fonio, comme toute cereale s’associerait a des champignons mycorhiziens a arbuscules (CMA), aucune donnee n’a encore ete publiee sur son statut mycorhizien. L’objectif de cette etude etait de determiner la dependance mycorhizienne du Fonio a l’inoculation avec des champignons mycorhiziens a arbuscules (CMA).  Methodologie et resultats : Une accession de Fonio provenant de la region de Sedhiou (sud du Senegal) a ete inoculee avec sept especes de CMA ( Glomus aggregatum, G. fasciculatum, G. etunicatum, G. manihotis, G. mosseae, G. verriculosum et Rhizophagus irregularis ). Un dispositif experimental completement aleatoire avec dix plants par traitement a ete utilise pour comparer les sept traitements inocules avec les sept souches de CMA en conditions semi-controlees. Apres 110 jours de culture, les parametres de mycorhzation et de croissance ont ete mesures. Les resultats ont montre que les taux de mycorhization les plus eleves ont ete obtenus avec G. aggregatum et R. irregularis alors que l’inoculation avec G. verriculosum, G. manihotis et R. irregularis a ameliore significativement la biomasse des plants de Fonio. Des effets positifs significatifs de l’inoculation mycorhizienne ont egalement ete observes en fonction des especes de CMA avec des augmentations sur la biomasse totale (+14,44% a +45,56%), le tallage(+15,79% a 31,58% a l’exception de G. etunicatum, G. manihotis ), la production de feuilles (+13,41% a +35,79%), de panicules (+20,70% a 39,24%) et de racemes (+52,94% a +125,29%). Conclusion et application : Les resultats ont montre que le Fonio repond bien a l’inoculation mycorhizienne avec cependant un degre de dependance variable en fonction de l’espece de CMA. Ceci suggere que l’utilisation de CMA comme biofertilisant pourrait constituer une strategie prometteuse pour contribuer a l’amelioration de la productivite du Fonio au Senegal et dans d’autres pays ouest-africains. Mots cles : Fonio, champignons mycorhiziens arbusculaires, inoculation, conditions semi-controlees

H. Adoukonou-sagbadja - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Diversity, conservation and related wild species of Fonio millet (Digitaria spp.) in the northwest of Benin
    Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 2010
    Co-Authors: A. Dansi, H. Adoukonou-sagbadja, R. Vodouhè
    Abstract:

    Fonio ( Digitaria exilis (Kipp.) Stapf, white Fonio; Digitaria iburua Stapf, black Fonio), is one of the oldest native, but neglected, cereal crops of cultural, nutritional and economic importance of West Africa. To gather key information that will help to preserve its diversity in Benin and develop modern and well-adapted varieties that could meet both farmers’ and consumers’ needs, a participatory research appraisal survey was conducted in 15 villages randomly selected in the Fonio production zone of Benin. Altogether 15 farmer-named landraces were recorded and further grouped into five morphotypes of which four belong to D. exilis and one to D. iburua . The number of landraces inventoried varied from one to five per village (three on average) and from one to three per household. Their distribution and extent are presented and their importance in terms of genetic resources conservation is discussed. Farmers’ preferences for Fonio varieties were assessed and eight preference criteria (earliness, culinary characteristics, ease of processing, productivity, facility of harvesting, grains size, storability, and drought tolerance) were identified and prioritised according to the gender. The traditional seed supply system and on-farm seed maintenance were investigated. Two plant species ( Digitaria horizontalis Willd. and Digitaria longiflora (Retz.) Pers.) were reported by farmers as putative parents of cultivated Fonio. Of these, only Digitaria longiflora has interesting agronomic traits (erect habit; stem long, big, strong and resistant to lodging; panicle long and rich in grains; large sized seeds) that are useful for the improvement of cultivated Fonio. In the entire study area, the crop is under threat. Therefore, concerted efforts should be deployed to preserve its diversity and increase its use to combat food insecurity and malnutrition in Benin.

  • Indigenous knowledge and traditional conservation of Fonio millet (Digitaria exilis, Digitaria iburua) in Togo
    Biodiversity & Conservation, 2006
    Co-Authors: H. Adoukonou-sagbadja, A. Dansi, R. Vodouhè, K. Akpagana
    Abstract:

    Fonio millet ( Digitaria exilis Stapf, Digitaria iburua Stapf) is known in Togo far several centuries and has played a strategic role in the household food security mainly in rural areas. Using Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) tools and techniques, 55 villages randomly selected in the two production zones of Togo were surveyed to document the ethnobotanical and indigenous knowledge related to its production, diversity, use and conservation. For all of the ethnic groups involved in Fonio production in Togo (Akposso and Akébou in the south; Losso-Nawda, Lamba, Tamberma, Tchokossi and Gangan in the north), the crop has a high sociocultural value. The Fonio genetic diversity being managed by the farmers seems important as 42 landraces were recorded. Two lines of origin that contributed to this current genetic diversity (local domestication or introduction from neighbouring countries) were reported by the farmers. Cooking qualities, growth cycle, colour and size of the grains are the main criteria used by farmers to describe varieties. According to farmers, Fonio production and diversity are being regressing because of several constraints of which the most important are lack of adequate harvest, threshing and processing technologies and development of pests and diseases. The important ethnobotanical and indigenous data recorded will be useful in accessing the genetic diversity of the crop in Togo and in defining appropriate strategies for its conservation on farm.

  • Indigenous knowledge and traditional conservation of Fonio millet (Digitaria exilis, Digitaria iburua) in Togo
    Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation, 1
    Co-Authors: H. Adoukonou-sagbadja, A. Dansi, R. Vodouhè, K. Akpagana
    Abstract:

    Fonio millet (Digitaria exilis Stapf, Digitaria iburua Stapf) is known in Togo far several centuries and has played a strategic role in the household food security mainly in rural areas. Using Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) tools and techniques, 55 villages randomly selected in the two production zones of Togo were surveyed to document the ethnobotanical and indigenous knowledge related to its production, diversity, use and conservation. For all of the ethnic groups involved in Fonio production in Togo (Akposso and Akebou in the south; Losso-Nawda, Lamba, Tamberma, Tchokossi and Gangan in the north), the crop has a high sociocultural value. The Fonio genetic diversity being managed by the farmers seems important as 42 landraces were recorded. Two lines of origin that contributed to this current genetic diversity (local domestication or introduction from neighbouring countries) were reported by the farmers. Cooking qualities, growth cycle, colour and size of the grains are the main criteria used by farmers to describe varieties. According to farmers, Fonio production and diversity are being regressing because of several constraints of which the most important are lack of adequate harvest, threshing and processing technologies and development of pests and diseases. The important ethnobotanical and indigenous data recorded will be useful in accessing the genetic diversity of the crop in Togo and in defining appropriate strategies for its conservation on farm.

Michael B Zimmermann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • dephytinisation with intrinsic wheat phytase and iron fortification significantly increase iron absorption from Fonio digitaria exilis meals in west african women
    PLOS ONE, 2013
    Co-Authors: Yara Koreissidembele, Nadia Fanoufogny, Diego Moretti, Stephan Schuth, Romain Dossa, Ines Egli, Michael B Zimmermann, Inge D Brouwer
    Abstract:

    Low iron and high phytic acid content make Fonio based meals a poor source of bioavailable iron. Phytic acid degradation in Fonio porridge using whole grain cereals as phytase source and effect on iron bioavailability when added to iron fortified Fonio meals were investigated. Grains, nuts and seeds collected in Mali markets were screened for phytic acid and phytase activity. We performed an iron absorption study in Beninese women (n = 16), using non-dephytinised Fonio porridge (FFP) and dephytinised Fonio porridge (FWFP; 75% Fonio-25% wheat), each fortified with 57Fe or 58Fe labeled FeSO4. Iron absorption was quantified by measuring the erythrocyte incorporation of stable iron isotopes. Phytic acid varied from 0.39 (bambara nut) to 4.26 g/100 g DM (pumpkin seed), with oilseeds values higher than grains and nuts. Phytase activity ranged from 0.17±1.61 (Fonio) to 2.9±1.3 phytase unit (PU) per g (whole wheat). Phytic acid was almost completely degraded in FWFP after 60 min of incubation (pH≈5.0, 50°C). Phytate∶iron molar ratios decreased from 23.7∶1 in FFP to 2.7∶1 in FWFP. Iron fortification further reduced phytate∶iron molar ratio to 1.9∶1 in FFP and 0.3∶1 in FWFP, respectively. Geometric mean (95% CI) iron absorption significantly increased from 2.6% (0.8–7.8) in FFP to 8.3% (3.8–17.9) in FWFP (P<0.0001). Dephytinisation of Fonio porridge with intrinsic wheat phytase increased fractional iron absorption 3.2 times, suggesting it could be a possible strategy to decrease PA in cereal-based porridges.

  • Dephytinisation with Intrinsic Wheat Phytase and Iron Fortification Significantly Increase Iron Absorption from Fonio (Digitaria exilis) Meals in West African Women
    PloS one, 2013
    Co-Authors: Yara Koréissi-dembélé, Diego Moretti, Stephan Schuth, Romain Dossa, Ines Egli, Michael B Zimmermann, Nadia Fanou-fogny, Inge D Brouwer
    Abstract:

    Low iron and high phytic acid content make Fonio based meals a poor source of bioavailable iron. Phytic acid degradation in Fonio porridge using whole grain cereals as phytase source and effect on iron bioavailability when added to iron fortified Fonio meals were investigated. Grains, nuts and seeds collected in Mali markets were screened for phytic acid and phytase activity. We performed an iron absorption study in Beninese women (n = 16), using non-dephytinised Fonio porridge (FFP) and dephytinised Fonio porridge (FWFP; 75% Fonio-25% wheat), each fortified with 57Fe or 58Fe labeled FeSO4. Iron absorption was quantified by measuring the erythrocyte incorporation of stable iron isotopes. Phytic acid varied from 0.39 (bambara nut) to 4.26 g/100 g DM (pumpkin seed), with oilseeds values higher than grains and nuts. Phytase activity ranged from 0.17±1.61 (Fonio) to 2.9±1.3 phytase unit (PU) per g (whole wheat). Phytic acid was almost completely degraded in FWFP after 60 min of incubation (pH≈5.0, 50°C). Phytate∶iron molar ratios decreased from 23.7∶1 in FFP to 2.7∶1 in FWFP. Iron fortification further reduced phytate∶iron molar ratio to 1.9∶1 in FFP and 0.3∶1 in FWFP, respectively. Geometric mean (95% CI) iron absorption significantly increased from 2.6% (0.8–7.8) in FFP to 8.3% (3.8–17.9) in FWFP (P