Abstract
PurposeThe objective of this study is to examine the dose‐response effect of inulin on mineral absorption and faecal short‐chain fatty acids concentration in formula‐fed infants.Design/methodology/approachThe effects of inulin on faecal short‐chain fatty acids and minerals absorption in 36 healthy, formula‐fed infants given three different doses of inulin (0.75g/d, 1.00g/d, and 1.25g/d) were studied using complete randomized design. Acetic, butyric, propionic and lactic acids were analysed using gas chromatography.FindingsNo significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in the infant faecal short‐chain fatty acids contents during the basal period, the intake period and the washout period. A significant (p<0.05) increase in per cent apparent absorption, per cent apparent retention and net retention of iron were seen in infants supplemented with 1g/day inulin. A significant (p<0.05) increase in per cent apparent retention and net retention of Magnesium was also seen in infants supplemented with 0.75, 1 and 1.25g/day inulin. A significant (p<0.05) increase in per cent apparent absorption and net retention of Zinc was seen in infants supplemented with only 0.75g/day inulin. No significant improvement in calcium, or copper absorption or retention was observed in all the doses of inulin studied.Originality/valueMost previous studies were conducted on adults and adolescents.
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