Effect of processing and food matrix on calcium and phosphorous bioavailability from milk-based fruit beverages in Caco-2 cells

Calcium and phosphorus bioavailability from different milk-based (whole milk, skimmed milk and soya milk) fruit beverages as affected by thermal treatment (TT) and high-pressure processing (HPP) was determined by means of the paired in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (solubility method)/Caco-2 cell model. Ca bioaccessibility was significantly higher in HPP (98.4% ± 1.6%) versus TT (91.3% ± 1.9%), but Ca bioavailability was equal in all different matrixes independently of the processing treatment used. HPP samples improved P bioaccessibility (98.7% ± 2.5% versus 87.3% ± 2.2%) and P bioavailability by Caco-2 cells versus TT samples—soya milk- and whole milk-based beverages being the samples with the highest bioavailability values (56.8% ± 1.3% and 40.1% ± 9.9% versus 15.0% ± 2.1% and 16.8% ± 2.8%, respectively). Therefore, HPP improves Ca and P bioaccessibility, and P bioavailability versus TT samples, and can be used as an alternative to TT in the manufacture of functional foods with improved nutritional value and health benefits.

► Ca bioaccessibility was significantly higher in HPP vs. TT samples.
► Ca bioavailability was equal in all matrixes independently of the processing.
► HPP improved P bioaccessibility and bioavailability by Caco-2 cells vs. TT.
► HPP can be used as an alternative to TT in the manufacture of functional foods.