Factors Affecting Magnesium Utilization

High levels of added fat in dairy rations can also have a negative effect on Mg availability. Minerals such as Ca and Mg tend to form Ca and Mg soaps, which can possibly lead to reduced availability. Many animal nutritionists recommend feeding an additional 0.05% Mg when feeding higher fat rations. 

The feeding of ionophores such as monensin and lasalocid was found to increase Mg absorption in some tests. For example, steers on a high forage diet were fed different levels of the ionophore lysocellin or monensin. It was found that the absorption of Mg, Ca, K, and P were all higher (Spears et al., 1989). 

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Much of the current research has centered upon the role of phytic acid on zinc and iron bioavailability (110-124). Work performed at the authors institution with several different types of soy foods suggests that phytic acid is a major factor affecting availability of zinc from foods derived from the legume (110-114). In addition, it appears that endogenous zinc in high-phytate foods may be a limiting factor in optimal utilization of these foods for man. We have found that fortification of soy foods (under proper conditions) with zinc, iron, magnesium, or calcium results in excellent... 

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