Other nutrients ingested and/or absorbed
Different components of food can sometimes inhibit or otherwise change the action of other food components.
For example, antinutrients which inhibit absorption of iron include oxalate, phosphates, tannins, and dietary fiber. Oxalates also bind calcium.
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) inhibits the formation of nitrosamines from nitrites. Nitrosamines are compounds that are readily formed in the intestine and are known carcinogens.
Prepared Summer 1997 by Bernadene Magnuson, Ph.D.
University of Idaho, Dept. of Food Science and Toxicology - EXTOXNET FAQ Team.