Impact of food processing methods on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of pearl millet minerals

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is known for its agronomic, economic, and nutritional functionalities coupled with its important position as a “Smart food” in the food ecosystem. However, among agronomic products, pearl millet is now considered an “orphan crop” due to its neglect. As a result, numerous scientific methods have been investigated to clarify the antinutritional factors that prevent the bioaccessibility of minerals in pearl millet. To meet the biological needs of consumers, this review examines the various sustainable food processing techniques employed to enhance the mineral bioaccessibility of pearl millet. Additionally, the benefits of pearl millet for health are mentioned. The application of the INFOGEST digestion model as a method for comprehending mineral bioaccessibility in vitro is presented. Some well-known millet food products are reportedly being adopted to encourage and prevent the underutilization of pearl millet. In summary, the results offer optimization strategies to reduce the bioaccessibility issues associated with pearl millet minerals for human nutrition, hidden hunger, and public health mineral deficiency interventions.