Assimilates micronutrients

Generally, soluble materials are more effective as micronutrient sources than are insoluble ones. For this reason, many soil minerals that contain the micronutrient elements are ineffective sources for plants. Some principal micronutrient sources and uses are summarized below. In this discussion the term frits refers to a fused, pulverized siUceous material manufactured and marketed commercially for incorporation in fertilizers. Chelates refers to metaHoorganic complexes specially prepared and marketed as especially soluble, highly assimilable sources of micronutrient elements (see CHELATING agents). 

Malabsorption is defined as an inadequate assimilation of dietary substances due to defects in digestion, absorption or transport. Malabsorption can affect macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) or both, causing excessive faecal excretion and producing nutritional deficiencies and GI symptoms. Digestion and absorption occur in three phases, namely (i) the intra-lumen hydrolysis of fats, proteins and carbohydrates by enzymes, and emulsification by bile salts, (ii) digestion by brush-border enzymes and uptake of end-products and (iii) lymphatic transport of nutrients. Malabsorption can occur when any of these phases is impaired. 

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