The present invention relates to the use of at least one strain of Lactobacillus plantarum chosen from the group comprising Lactobacillus plantarum 299, DSM 6595, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, DSM 9843, Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL 9, DSM 15312, Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL 19, DSM 15313, Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL 99, DSM 15316, and a part thereof, for the preparation of a composition for increasing the absorption of at least one kind of metal/metal ion in a mammal, preferably a human.