{"id":40747,"date":"2023-10-16T06:20:43","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T04:20:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.axfoundation.se\/?post_type=project&p=40747"},"modified":"2025-07-30T11:12:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T09:12:19","slug":"the-mineral-shift-bioavailability","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/www.axfoundation.se\/en\/projects\/the-mineral-shift-bioavailability","title":{"rendered":"The Mineral Shift \u2013 How To Increase Bioavailability in Grain Products"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \"Iron\n

Iron and zinc in grains are difficult to absorb because they are bound to the antinutrient phytic acid.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The Issue<\/h2>\n
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Reducing meat consumption and eating a more plant-based diet with an increased intake of whole grains and legumes is one of the most important changes for a sustainable food system. The risk of plant-based diets having too little protein is considered low. However, several researchers highlight the risk of deficiency in certain minerals, such as iron and zinc. Today, 25-30 percent of girls and young women in Sweden are at risk of iron-deficiency anemia, and vegetarians in Sweden generally have lower iron status.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Meat is a significant source of iron, but the grains we consume actually contain more iron than what\u2019s found in the meat, fish, and eggs consumed. The problem is that iron and zinc in grains like wheat, rye, oats, and barley are difficult for us to absorb because they are bound to the antinutrient phytic acid.<\/p>\n

We need to look back in time to move forward. We\u2019re collaborating with a wide range of partners to develop the next generation of whole grain products.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Veronica \u00d6hrvik, Project Manager, Future Food, Axfoundation<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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\n \"Through\n

Through hydrothermal treatment up to 99 percent of the antinutrient phytic acid can be broken down and more iron and zinc, becomes available for absorption.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Our Solution<\/h2>\n
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In the Mineral Shift project, a wide range of stakeholders collaborate to develop the next generation of flavorful and healthy whole grain products made from barley, rye, and wheat, where a larger share of minerals becomes available for the body to absorb. At the core of the project is an innovative method developed by the researchers behind the company Hidden in Grains<\/a>, known as hydrothermal treatment. In simplified terms, this technique involves soaking grains in carefully monitored processes for a specific duration and temperature.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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To optimize production, a pilot plant has been established at Tors\u00e5ker Farm and the next generation of grains products are being developed.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Through hydrothermal treatment of whole grains, up to 99 percent of the antinutrient phytic acid can be degraded. This results in more iron and zinc calcium becoming available to the body. Instead of only a few percent of iron and zinc being available in the untreated ingredient, four times more can become accessible. For instance, this can significantly enhance the absorption of iron in a plant-based meal.<\/p>\n

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The treatment works for most grains and leaves the grain relatively unchanged.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Hidden in Grains\u2019 treatment technique is inspired by traditional cooking methods used for centuries but has been optimized with modern technology. The treatment works for most grains and leaves the grain relatively unchanged, allowing it to be ground, crushed, or flaked in a regular mill, for example.<\/p>\n

The Mineral Shift project focuses on Swedish-grown barley and rye, as well as wheat from heritage grains. An important goal of the project is to increase demand for these grains, both to improve the profitability of Swedish grain producers and processors and to contribute to the national environmental goal of a rich agricultural landscape by increasing diversity.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Did you know…?<\/h2>\n
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