What mineral does Oxalic Acid primarily bind, making it unavailable for absorption in leafy greens like spinach?
Answer
Calcium
Oxalates, or oxalic acid, are compounds prominently found in vegetables such as spinach, rhubarb, and beet greens. Their main mechanism of action concerning mineral interference is the strong binding of calcium ions. When oxalates bind calcium, they form insoluble salts that cannot be passed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, rendering the calcium unusable by the body. While this is generally not an issue for individuals consuming a varied diet, high oxalate intake is particularly relevant for those who are already prone to developing kidney stones, as the calcium oxalate crystals can precipitate in the urinary tract.
Related Questions
What primary role do antinutrients serve for plants like those containing Phytates or Lectins?Which antinutrient is cited as the most significant mineral absorption blocker due to its phosphorus storage role?What mineral does Oxalic Acid primarily bind, making it unavailable for absorption in leafy greens like spinach?Which foods are primarily cited as the source of Lectins, requiring proper cooking to neutralize them?What preparation method is most effective for leaching water-soluble Oxalates from vegetables like spinach?What natural enzyme is activated by soaking that begins to break down Phytic Acid in nuts, seeds, and grains?Why is Gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and rye, sometimes categorized as an antinutrient?Besides iron, which minerals does Phytic Acid form insoluble complexes with, blocking absorption?What critical safety instruction must be followed when cooking dried beans to effectively destroy Lectins?What practical adjustment can boost non-heme iron absorption alongside iron-containing plant foods, overriding phytate effects?Where are Phytic Acid concentrations significantly higher compared to refined white flour?