Abstract
Abstract Objectives Kefir is a natural source of probiotics that confer benefits to the host's intestinal health. Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a tuberous root originating in the Andes region, rich in prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which increases the absorption of minerals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prebiotic properties of yacon, the probiotic effect of kefir and the symbiotic action of the association between them in bone health in rats. Methods Adult Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): Group C (Control), Y (yacon flour, 51.34% FOS) K (kefir, 10⁷ UFC/mL), and YK (yacon flour + kefir). Group C received AIN-93 M + cow's milk (1 mL/day), group Y received AIN93 diet added by yacon flour to provide 5% FOS + cow's milk, group K received fermented kefir (1 mL/day), and group YK received yacon flour + fermented kefir. Feces and urine were collected for calcium balance in the last week of the experiment. At the end of 6 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the large intestine and blood sample were collected for analysis of intraluminal pH (pH meter Kasvi®) and biomarkers of bone remodeling, respectively. Calcium from diet, feces and urine was analyzed by atomic absorption. Osteocalcin (OC -- EL-R0243), C telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX – EL-R1456) and N telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX – EL-R0276) were analyzed by ELISA, according to manufacture's instructions (Elabscience, TX, USA). The results were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by the Tukey test (p < 0.05), using GENES®. Results No significant differences were observed between groups concerning calcium balance and cecal pH, although pH was slightly lower in the groups fed yacon (Y and YK). Biomarkers of bone formation (OC) and bone resorption (CTX and NTX) were significantly lower in group K (OC = 7.29; CTX = 4.04; NTX = 94.31 ng/mL), compared to the control (OC = 16.33; CTX = 5.68; NTX = 105.97 ng/mL). Groups Y (OC = 13.63; CTX = 5.13; NTX = 114.34 ng/mL) and YK (OC = 15.37; CTX = 5.17; NTX = 132.51 ng/mL) did not differ from the control. Conclusions Prebiotic (Y) and Symbiotic (YK) were more effective than kefir in bone remodeling in rats, although fermentation in the large gut did not reduce pH sufficiently to improve calcium absorption and retention. Funding Sources FAPES; CNPq and CAPES/Brazil.
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