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High Methoxyl Pectin Consistently Reduces β-Carotene Bioaccessibility Across Various Gastrointestinal Digestion
Anushka Shukla1, Thomas Schleeh2, Patrick Borel3
1Nutrition and Health Research Group, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg.
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|August 5, 2026
Summary
High methoxyl pectin (HMP), a soluble dietary fiber, significantly reduced beta-carotene bioaccessibility. This dietary fiber
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Food Chemistry
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
Background:
- Dietary fiber can influence nutrient bioavailability.
- Beta-carotene's absorption is affected by food matrix interactions and digestion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of high methoxyl pectin (HMP) on beta-carotene bioaccessibility.
- To assess HMP's effects under simulated physiological digestive conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the INFOGEST gastrointestinal model.
- Varied pancreatin/bile salt concentrations and shear forces (shaking speed, glass beads).
- Measured beta-carotene bioaccessibility, surface tension, viscosity, micelle size, zeta potential, and lipolysis.
Main Results:
- HMP significantly reduced beta-carotene bioaccessibility from 32.1% to 24.1%.
- Bile/pancreatin concentration and shear forces also significantly impacted bioaccessibility.
- HMP's inhibitory effect was most pronounced under conditions favoring high initial bioaccessibility.
Conclusions:
- High methoxyl pectin (HMP) inhibits beta-carotene bioaccessibility.
- Digestive conditions, including enzyme concentration and shear forces, modulate this inhibition.
- HMP's interaction with the digestive system warrants further investigation for dietary applications.
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