Perspective: Framework for Developing Prediction Equations for Estimating the Absorption and Bioavailability of Nutrients from Foods

Connie Weaver, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States.
Seth Armah, Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.
Richard S. Bruno, Human Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA 43210.
Andrew Fletcher, Sustainable Nutrition Initiative®, Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; Fonterra Research and Development Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Raymond Glahn, Untied States Department of Agriculture - Agriculture Research Services (USDA-ARS), Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, NY, United States.
Isabelle Herter-Aeberli, Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Tasija Karosas, The International Life Sciences Institute, Washington DC, USA. Electronic address: tkarosas@ilsi.org.
Cornelia U. Loechl, Nutritional and Health-related Environmental Studies Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria.
Veronica Lopez-Teros, Nutritional and Health-related Environmental Studies Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria.
Michael I. McBurney, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
Alida Melse-Boonstra, Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
Rachel Novotny, Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, USA.
Manju B. Reddy, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
Jessica Rigutto-Farebrother, Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
Sherry Tanumihardjo, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
Emorn Udomkesmalee, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Ellen Van Den Heuvel, LLN NutriResearch, Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Taylor Wallace, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA; Think Healthy Group, LLC, Washington, DC, USA; School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
Pattanee Winichagoon, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

7-17-2025

Journal

Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)

DOI

10.1016/j.advnut.2025.100481

Keywords

Bioavailability; micronutrients; nutrient absorption; nutrients requirements; prediction equation

Abstract

Current nutrient intake recommendations, nutritional assessments, and food labeling rely on estimated total nutrient content in foods and dietary supplements. However, the adequacy of nutrient intake depends not only on the total amount consumed but also on the fraction absorbed and utilized by the body. Accurate assessments of nutrient bioavailability require predictive equations or algorithms. This paper outlines a four-step framework designed to guide researchers in developing such equations. The framework includes: (1) identifying key factors that influence nutrient or bioactive compound bioavailability; (2) conducting a comprehensive literature review of high-quality human studies to inform development of predictive equations; (3) constructing predictive equations based on these insights; and (4) validate the equation, when feasible, to potentiate translation. This structured approach aims to enhance the accuracy and precision of nutrient bioavailability estimates, address data limitations, and highlight evidence gaps to inform future research and policy on nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Department

Clinical Research and Leadership

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