Effect of fermentation on ionizable iron in cereal‐pulse combinations

Abstract
Summary: The average diet in most developing countries is predominantly cereal based. Wheat, rice and millets are major staple foods. Although these diets are sufficient in iron, their low bioavailability is one of the most significant factors for iron deficiency anaemia. Traditional techniques like fermentation show promise in improving iron bioavailability. In vitro ionizable iron was estimated in 31 different combinations of rice, wheat, sorghum, black gram, bengal gram, green gram and coriander in five replicates with or without, fermentation in steamed products. Results indicate that in general cereal pulse combination and fermentation significantly (PP<0.05) in phytate phosphorus on fermentation but no loss of tannin.