Effects of Germination and Dietary Calcium on Zinc Bioavailability from Peas

Bioavailability of zinc was determined by rat weight gain and tibia Zn response from whole pea sprouts (WPS), heat treated peas (HTP) and purified diets (PD1 and 2) supplemented with Zn and phytate for similar phytate/Zn molar ratios (phy/Zn). With diets adequate Ca (0.75%), weight gains from WPS (phy/Zn = 24) and HTP (phy/Zn = 39) were equivalent or better to a nonphytate control (NPC). Tibia Zn decreased in order from: NPC, WPS, PD1, HTP and PD2. At the 1.5% Ca level reduced growth responses from WPS and HTP indicated interaction between Ca and phytate. Zn availability from peas may be superior to that from grains and other legumes previously reported. The decreased phytate and increased phytase resulting from germination may explain the enhanced responses from pea sprouts.