Acute dose of fructooligosaccharide significantly increases calcium absorption in lower gut

Abstract

Increasing calcium (Ca) absorption during adolescent growth may help increase peak bone mass. Previous data show that short chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) increase fractional Ca absorption (Fxabs) from a single meal in adults (Fukushima et al. 2002). This study examined the acute effect of scFOS on Ca absorption in 15 adolescent girls in a cross‐over design separated by a 3 week washout period. Fasting urine and blood samples were collected. Breakfast was served containing 230 mg Ca plus ~15 mg 44Ca, a stable isotope, combined with either 0 or 3 g scFOS, in a nutritional drink. One h later, 5 mg 43Ca was infused intravenously. After 3 h, the final blood sample was drawn. A controlled diet was provided and urine was collected for 24‐h. Fxabs was measured from isotope ratios in 3 h serum and 5, 16, and 24 h urine. Fxabs estimated from urine was plotted vs. time and area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. In a linear model including treatment sequence and baseline serum Ca concentration, the effect of scFOS on serum Fxabs did not differ from control (p=0.66). However, the effect of scFOS supplementation measured by urine AUC became significant by 16 hours (p<0.05) using the same model. Thus the positive effect of scFOS on Ca absorption may be due to increased absorption in the lower gastrointestinal tract warrants further study. This study was sponsored by GTC Nutrition and Abbott Nutrition, Abbot Laboratories.