Ingestion of potato starch containing esterified phosphorus increases alkaline phosphatase activity in the small intestine in rats.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) hydrolyzes a variety of monophosphate esters and plays an important role in phosphorus (P) metabolism. Several nutrients in food have been reported to affect intestinal ALP activity in animal models. Previous reports indicated that high levels of P or phosphate in diets decreased intestinal ALP activity in rats.

Ingestion of potato starch containing high levels of esterified phosphorus reduces calcium and magnesium absorption and their femoral retention in rats.

Many studies have shown that esterified phosphorus (P) in diets has a favorable effect on mineral absorption in humans and animals. Phosphorylated oligosaccharides derived from potato starch increase calcium (Ca) absorption from the rat intestine both in situ and in vitro. We hypothesized that the feeding of potato starch has a potential to increase Ca or magnesium (Mg) absorption.