Grouper bone nano-calcium and substitution long-chain triglyceride (LCT) into medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) enhanced calcium bioavailability and rat’s bone density

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The most effective strategy to prevent osteopenia or osteoporosis in the old life is to consume an adequate amount of calcium from childhood through adulthood. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the bioavailability of CaCO3 which is the standard non-dairy calcium supplementation with grouper bone nano-calcium (GBN) combined with various percentages of Long-Chain Triglyceride (LCT) into Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) on calcium bioavailability and rat’s bones density. METHODS: This study was carried out during the rat’s growth period, from the weaning until the rats reached 16 weeks. Thirty-five weaned rats were separated into seven groups and fed varied feeds for 12 weeks. The seven groups of feed were (1) CCa: standard feed AIN-93G, (2) C0: standard calcium deficient feed (without calcium), (3) G0: GBN + MCT:LCT 0 : 100%, (4) G25: GBN + MCT:LCT 25 : 75%, (5) G50: GBN + MCT:LCT 50 : 50%, (6) G75: GBN + MCT:LCT 75 : 25%, and (7) G100: GBN + MCT:LCT 100 : 0%. Parameters observed were serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, femur bone characteristics, bone microarchitecture by histomorphometry, micro computed-tomography (μCT), and mechanical strength. RESULTS: The CCa and G100 groups had the best dietary results based on all parameters. The G100 group was superior to CCa in calcium and phosphorus bioavailability, rat’s bone strength and density. CONCLUSIONS: G100: GBN + MCT:LCT 100 : 0% group feed beneficially affected the bioavailability of calcium, was letting he rat’s bones to develop properly, had high density, and been strong throughout the growth phase.