A method for increasing or facilitating the absorption of minerals from the diet. A nutritional composition which contains lactobacilli is enterally administered to a mammal. The nutritional composition is suitable for the treatment or prophylaxis of sutjects having mineral deficiencies, or to compensate for physiological deficiencies due to a diet low in minerals, or to satisfy major physiological requirements for minerals in young children. pregnant women, women who are breastieeding, and the elderly.
