Article

Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides improve magnesium absorption in adolescent girls with a low calcium intake

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  • Hendriks Nutrition Support for Business BV
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Abstract

Consumption of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) has been shown to improve mineral absorption in the short term, but no long-term effects were studied in girls with a low calcium intake. Therefore, we hypothesized that short- and long-term consumption of short-chain FOS (sc-FOS) improves calcium and magnesium absorption in girls with a low habitual calcium intake. Fourteen girls aged between 12 and 14 years received, for 36 days, 10 g sc-FOS (sc-FOS) or maltodextrin (placebo). Short-chain FOS were taken daily for 8 days followed by an intermittent intake mode on 28 random days to mimic noncontinuous intake. In a crossover design, true calcium and magnesium absorption was computed on the 8th and 36th day of each treatment period from isotope enrichment in urine. In addition, the parathyroid hormone and vitamin D in serum and markers of bone resorption in urine (pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline) were determined. Short-chain FOS increased magnesium absorption by 18% after 36 days (30.1% +/- 9.1% vs 35.4% +/- 12.8%). Magnesium absorption did not change after the initial 8 days of long-term sc-FOS intake. Short-chain FOS did not affect calcium absorption. In addition, sc-FOS did not affect vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, or markers of bone resorption. It is concluded that consumption of sc-FOS for 36 days stimulated magnesium absorption in girls but did not affect calcium absorption.

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... Twelve studies [35,37,40,43,45,49,54,55,58,59,63,64] examined the effect of fiber on bone-related outcomes, with ITFs [35,37,45,54,58,59], psyllium [40,49], soluble corn fiber [63,64], or cellulose [43] as the intervention. Three of the 6 studies involving ITFs [35,37,57] observed a significant increase in calcium absorption. ...
... Twelve studies [35,37,40,43,45,49,54,55,58,59,63,64] examined the effect of fiber on bone-related outcomes, with ITFs [35,37,45,54,58,59], psyllium [40,49], soluble corn fiber [63,64], or cellulose [43] as the intervention. Three of the 6 studies involving ITFs [35,37,57] observed a significant increase in calcium absorption. ...
... One study showed an increase in BMD and whole-body bone mineral content [35], whereas another showed no change in BMD [55]. Bone resorption increased in an ITF intervention [59] as seen by the increase in pyridinoline-to-deoxypyridinoline ratio, although the individual concentrations of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline did not show significant changes between arms. ...
Article
Background Fiber is an integral part of a healthy diet. Studies have shown that the fiber intake in children is below adequate amounts, leading to adverse health outcomes. Objectives This study aimed to perform a scoping review to assess the available evidence for the impact of isolated and synthetic dietary fiber on children’s health outcomes. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in Ovid Medline, Ovid Global Health, Embase, and Cochrane Library via Wiley to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in healthy children aged 1–18 y at baseline who consumed added, isolated, or synthetic dietary fiber. The outcomes of interest were categorized based on the Food and Drug Administration’s guidance for industry on nondigestible carbohydrates and the Vahouny Fiber Symposium criteria, which included reduced fasting blood, glucose, total and/or LDL cholesterol concentrations, attenuation of postprandial glycemia/insulinemia, increased fecal bulk/laxation, reduced transit time, weight loss/reduction in adiposity, reduced energy intake from food consumption, increased satiety, bone health/enhanced mineral absorption, and blood pressure. We also cataloged additional reported outcomes. Results Of 3837 randomized controlled parallel or crossover trials screened at the abstract level, 160 were eligible for full-text review, and 32 included for data extraction. This scoping review presents analysis of data from 32 RCTs in children who were healthy, overweight/obese or had mild hypercholesterolemia. Inulin-type fructans (41%) and psyllium (22%) were the most frequently administered fiber types, with weight/adiposity, markers of lipid metabolism (41%), and bone-related markers (38%) being the most frequently reported health outcomes. Only a few RCTs have investigated the effects of laxation (9%), and none specifically studied the impact of fiber on reducing postprandial glycemia/insulinemia. Conclusions This scoping review demonstrates sufficient evidence for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses for several outcomes. Evidence gaps remain on the impact of isolated fibers on outcomes such as laxation, colonic transit time, and postprandial glycemia/insulinemia in children.
... The effect of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on iron absorption and gut microbiota, ascorbic acid: Iron molar ratio, vitamin K2 bioavailability, the effect of Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on magnesium absorption, the effect of vitamin D on calcium absorption, and the effect of calcium on phosphorus absorption was analysed using meta-data analysis [24][25][26][27][28][29]. ...
... The difference in the rate of magnesium absorption was statistically significant for the ONS group compared to the control (p<0.05) [27]. ...
... The ONS is enriched with FOS -a prebiotic. A study [27] conducted by Van Den Heuvel et al., in 2009, showed that FOS enhanced the absorption of magnesium. Our analysis indicated a similar finding. ...
Article
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Introduction: Optimum nutrition is the cornerstone of child growth and development. Childhood is a period of rapid growth and development. Children of preschool age have higher nutritional needs and are often at risk of nutrient deficiencies. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) on growth parameters in a representative population. Methods: We used the systems-biology-based mathematical model for child growth to analyze the effect of ONS on growth in a representative in silico population of preschool children. The analysis included changes in average growth velocities of weight, height, muscle mass, fat mass, fat-free mass, and bone mass. We used meta-data analysis for evaluating the absorption of micronutrients present in the ONS that affects growth in preschool children. Results: The results of the analysis showed one serving of ONS in milk/day improved the weight gain velocity by 1.7 times in preschool children. The linear growth was 1.04 times higher than the control. The absorption of micronutrients such as iron, vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium was higher in the ONS group. Conclusions: This study indicates that the ONS containing macro and micronutrients, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and prebiotics can potentiate growth and development in preschool children. It provides micronutrients that can be readily absorbed which are essential for other vital functions in the body.
... A total of 3245 participants from 20 RCTs [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] and 370 participants from 8 crossover trials [6,[36][37][38][39][40][41][42] were included in the study (Fig. 1). Five RCTs [23,24,28,30,31] had incomplete data (883 participants involved). ...
... Probiotics including bacterial strains [20,21] and fermented food [17,23] were conducted in intervention groups in four studies. Sixteen studies used prebiotics [6,16,22,23,25,27,30,32,33,[36][37][38][39][40][41][42] such as fructose, galacto-oligosaccharides, and soluble corn fibers for intervention. Eight studies used synbiotics [18,19,24,26,28,31,34,35] in the intervention group. ...
... Pooled analysis showed no significant difference (SMD -0.372; 95% CI, − 1.465 to 0.720; p = 0.504; I 2 = 85.2%) (eFigure 1) [27,29]. Two trials were not included in this analysis due to a lack of baseline data [24,39]. ...
Article
Background The intestinal flora is involved in the bone development of children through a variety of mechanisms, but it remains unclear whether intervention of the intestinal flora can enhance children's bone development. Methods Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for all English and Chinese studies published up to August 2021. Stata version 16.0 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) was used. Bone mass density and biochemical markers related to bone metabolism were reported as the primary outcome, and the secondary outcomes were anthropometric parameters such as height, height Z score for age, and height velocity. Intergroup differences were determined by standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 3245 participants from 20 RCTs and 370 participants from 8 crossover trials were included in the study. Significant differences were found in bone mineral density (SMD 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.66; p < 0.001; I² = 0.00%) and total serum calcium (SMD 1.07; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.74; p < 0.001; I² = 61.9%), as well as in height Z score for age (SMD = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.22; P = 0.044; I² = 0%). The overall quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that intestinal flora intervention was an effective method of improving bone mineral density, serum calcium, and height in infants, children, and adolescents. Future studies with a larger sample size and longer intervention period are needed. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO and the registered number was CRD42021282606.
... A study reported that the use of 10 g short-chain FOS (scFOS) after 36 days did not affect calcium absorption in girls aged 12-14 years [20]. ...
... FOS consumption appears to improve mineral absorption in the short term; its long-term effects were studied by van den Heuvel et al. in girls, aged 12-14 years, with a low calcium intake [20]. The authors verified that after 8 days of scFOS ingestion, magnesium absorption did not change, the absorption of calcium and vitamin D was not affected, and PTH or markers of bone reabsorption were also not affected. ...
... Therefore, correlating studies of FOS and inulin ingestion with intestinal microbiota studies may also help to provide a more linear understanding of the effects on increased absorption of nutritional elements. There are few studies Abrams et al. [26] Pubertal adolescents (both sexes) " Ca absorption Inulin 8 g/day 1 year Castro et al. [28] Children " Zn, Fe, Cu, Vitamin A and C intake Inulin 30 g/100 mL of water 45 days Drabiń ska et al. [27] Children and adolescents w ith celiac disease [13] Adolescents " Ca absorption Oligofructose 15 g/day 9 days van den Heuvel et al. [16] Adolescents " Stable isotope 25 Mg FOS 15 g/day 9 days van den Heuvel et al. [20] Adolescents " Mg and Vitamin D absorption scFOS 10 g/day 36 days FOS: fructooligosaccharides; scFOS: short-chain fructooligosaccharides; Ht: hematocrit; Hb: hemoglobin. ...
Article
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Introduction Fructans, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), have several effects on human health owing to their prebiotic character, including anti-microbial and anti-cancer effects, and to their influence on the absorption of minerals, which is very important in childhood and adolescence. Objective Our aim was to review the role of some fructans in the absorption of vitamins and minerals in children and adolescents. Methods We conducted a narrative review of the absorption of nutrients with fructans. We collected quantitative data for our thematic analysis, which was performed using the electronic databases Medline, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 2000 and January 2019. This review comprises a total of 10 articles. Results Few studies were found regarding the use of prebiotics and nutrient absorption in children. Studies on calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D were the most prevalent. Some studies reported that FOS appears to increase calcium uptake in the gut and stimulates the growth of bifidobacterium in the colon, reducing iron intake by enteric pathogens, and increasing the absorption of these minerals. Others reported an improvement in the absorption of vitamin D and E with inulin. Conclusion Consumption of fructans improves the health of the microbiota, altering the absorption of some nutrients.
... In previous balance studies, various protocols have been applied, including true bioavailability studies with stable Mg 2+ -isotopes [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]. Furthermore, the Mg 2+ load administered varied widely among studies (from <100 to >1,000 mg/d), notwithstanding the age of subjects (infants to adults), their physical condition or the proximity of meals to administration. ...
... A stimulatory effect of these carbohydrates on Mg 2+ absorption has been predominantly shown in animal studies [37,[71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79] and some human studies [31,80,81]. The tested carbohydrates include resistant starch (especially raw resistant starch) [67][68][69][70], short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides [30,80], resistant maltodextrin [82], a mixture of chicory oligofructose and long-chain inulin [31], galactooligosaccharides (GOS) [75,76], inulin [37,77,78], polydextrose [78], maltitol and the hydrogenated polysaccharide fraction of Lycasin ® HBC [81], mannitol [79] or lactulose [36]. Only one human study with short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides found no effect on Mg 2+ uptake [30]. ...
... The tested carbohydrates include resistant starch (especially raw resistant starch) [67][68][69][70], short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides [30,80], resistant maltodextrin [82], a mixture of chicory oligofructose and long-chain inulin [31], galactooligosaccharides (GOS) [75,76], inulin [37,77,78], polydextrose [78], maltitol and the hydrogenated polysaccharide fraction of Lycasin ® HBC [81], mannitol [79] or lactulose [36]. Only one human study with short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides found no effect on Mg 2+ uptake [30]. ...
Article
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Background Information on the bioavailability of the essential mineral Mg2+ is sparse. Objective/Method Evaluation of the present knowledge on factors influencing the bioavailability and intestinal absorption of Mg2+. Results Mg2+ is absorbed via a paracellular passive and a transcellular active pathway that involves TRPM6/7 channel proteins. The bioavailability of Mg2+ varies within a broad range, depending on the dose, the food matrix, and enhancing and inhibiting factors. Dietary factors impairing Mg2+ up-take include high doses of other minerals, partly fermentable fibres (e.g., hemicellulose), non-fermentable fibres (e.g., cellulose, lignin), phytate and oxalate, whereas proteins, medium-chain-triglycerides, and low- or indigestible carbohydrates (e.g., resistant starch, oligosaccharides, inulin, mannitol and lactulose) enhance Mg2+ uptake. The Mg2+ dose is a major factor controlling the amount of Mg2+ absorbed. In principle, the relative Mg2+ uptake is higher when the mineral is in-gested in multiple low doses throughout the day compared to a single, large intake of Mg2+. The type of Mg2+ salt appears less relevant than is often thought. Some studies demonstrated a slightly higher bioavailability of organic Mg2+ salts compared to inorganic compounds under standardized conditions, whereas other studies did not. Conclusion Due to the lack of standardized tests to assess Mg2+ status and intestinal absorption, it remains unclear which Mg2+ binding form produces the highest bioavailability. The Mg2+ intake dose combined with the endogenous Mg2+ status is more important. Because Mg2+ cannot be stored but only retained for current needs, a higher absorption is usually followed by a higher excretion of the mineral.
... FOSs originate from sucrose molecules and main monomeric units are fructose [47,53]. Inulin type FOS and levan type FOS are two different types of FOS [54]. Partially hydrolysis of FOSs generate oligofructoses like glucopyranosyl-(fructofuranosyl)n-1fructose (GFn) and fructopyranosyl-(fructofuranosyl)n-1 fructose (Fn) with different DP degrees (1-4) [55]. ...
... Daily consumption amount for bifidogenic activity is reported as 2-10 grams [60]. FOS can be used for prevention of intestinal infections and intestinal infections; inhibition of pathogens, ordering intestinal flora; regulation of intestinal immune system; enhancement of immune response; stimulation of probiotic growth of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria species; optimization of colonic function and metabolism; production of short chain fatty acids; increase of mineral absorption; reduction of food intake and obesity management and control of diabetes type 2 and prevention of cancer [41,54,[61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72]. ...
... One study of SCF that specifically focused on women during stable estrogen deficiency suggested that prebiotics improve calcium retention [44], while a study of utilizing 10 g/day short-chain FOS found that calcium absorption was improved in late-phase postmenopausal women but not early-phase postmenopausal women [123]. Prebiotics have been shown to influence calcium absorption across a wide range of doses ranging from 8 to 20 g/day [27,37,42,43,47,50,51,121,122] with only a few studies showing no effect [123][124][125]. Calcium intake may explain differential effects on calcium absorption. ...
... Conversely, another study with null effects may have been due to lower calcium intakes, but the authors also utilized a study design which lacked consistent consumption of the prebiotic. The latter findings suggest the importance of regular consumption in order to receive benefits to mineral absorption and bone health [124]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Increasing interest in functional foods has driven discovery in the area of bioactive compounds. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrate compounds that, when consumed, elicit health benefits and aid in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. While prebiotics have been shown to improve a number of chronic, inflammatory conditions, growing evidence exists for prebiotic effects on calcium metabolism and bone health. These novel dietary fibers have been shown to increase calcium absorption in the lower intestines of both preclinical and human models. Rodent models have also been imperative for understanding prebiotic effects on bone mineral density and measures of skeletal strength. Although fewer data are available for humans, bone-related prebiotic effects exist across the lifecycle, suggesting benefits for attainment of peak bone mass during adolescence and minimized bone resorption among postmenopausal women. These effects are thought to occur through prebiotic–microbe interactions in the large intestine. Current prebiotic mechanisms for improved mineral absorption and skeletal health include alterations in gut microbiota composition, production of short-chain fatty acids, altered intestinal pH, biomarker modification, and immune system regulation. While the majority of available data support improved mineral bioavailability, emerging evidence suggests alternate microbial roles and the presence of an intricate gut–bone signaling axis. Overall, the current scientific literature supports prebiotic consumption as a cost-effective and sustainable approach for improved skeletal health and/or fracture prevention. The goal of this review is to discuss both foundational and recent research in the area of prebiotics, mineral metabolism, and bone health.
... The strong bifidogenic activity of scFOS, has been associated with an increase in the short-chain fatty acid production, which plays a key role in suppressing pathogenic intestinal bacteria besides modulating the immune system [11,12]. Other associated benefits are the reduction of serum cholesterol [13], the increase in calcium and magnesium absorption [14,15] and the prevention of colon cancer [16]. A recent microbiota-targeted intervention showed that a mix of scFOS, was able to modulate gut microbiota in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients and significantly reduced serum LDL-c concentration [17]. ...
... The prebiotic effect improves gut health overall, as a consequence of the influence of probiotic bacteria and another beneficial microbial populations, which leads to the reduction of pathogenic species, improving the intestinal barrier (Chen and Karboune 2018;Vitali et al. 2012). Other beneficial effects associated with FOS ingestion are immunomodulation, the reduction of risk of developing colon cancer and other chronic diseases, the improvement of mineral absorption such as calcium and magnesium, anti-inflammatory properties, and the influence on lipid and cholesterol concentration in serum (Al-Sheraji et al. 2013;Choque Delgado et al. 2012;van den Heuvel et al. 2009;Scheid et al. 2013;Valcheva and Dieleman 2016). ...
... 84 Dietary intake of fructose oligosaccharides improved Mg 2+ absorption by 18% after 36 days in adolescent girls using a stable isotope technique. 85 A recent study in PPI users with hypomagnesemia demonstrated that inulin fibers for 14 days significantly increased serum Mg 2+ levels. 79 Importantly, this microbiome-targeting therapy with prebiotics improved hypomagnesemia-related symptoms, including generalized weakness, tetany of hands, and muscle cramps. ...
Article
Full-text available
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reliably suppress gastric acid secretion and are therefore the first-line treatment for gastric-acid related disorders. Hypomagnesemia (serum magnesium (Mg2+ ) < 0.7 mmol/L) is a commonly reported side effect of PPIs. Clinical reports demonstrate that urinary Mg2+ excretion is low in PPI users with hypomagnesemia, suggesting a compensatory mechanism by the kidney for malabsorption of Mg2+ in the intestines. However, the exact mechanism by which PPIs cause impaired Mg2+ absorption is still unknown. In this review, we show that current experimental evidence points towards reduced Mg2+ solubility in the intestinal lumen. Moreover, the absorption pathways in both the small intestine and the colon may be reduced by changes in the expression and activity of key transporter proteins. Additionally, the gut microbiome may contribute to the development of PPI-induced hypomagnesemia, as PPI use affects the composition of the gut microbiome. In this review, we argue that the increase of the luminal pH during PPI treatment may contribute to several of these mechanisms. Considering the fact that bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers results in luminal acidification, we propose that targeting the gut microbiome using dietary intervention might be a promising treatment strategy to restore hypomagnesemia in PPI users.
... This is supported by prebiotic studies in rats showing that 10% (w/w) fructose oligosaccharide (FOS) or 10% (w/w) inulin significantly increase Mg 2+ absorption compared to a fiber-free diet [8,9]. Using a stable isotope technique, it was also shown that dietary intake of 10 g/day FOS improved Mg 2+ absorption by 18% after 36 days in adolescent girls [34]. Moreover, a double-blind cross-over trial demonstrated that dietary galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) for 3 weeks increased Ca 2+ absorption in young girls [35]. ...
Article
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Dietary fibers have been shown to increase the intestinal absorption of calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺). However, the mechanisms that explain the enhanced electrolyte absorption remain unknown. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of 5% (w/w) sodium butyrate (Na-butyrate), an important end-metabolite of bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers, on Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ homeostasis in mice. Serum Ca²⁺ levels were only significantly increased in mice treated with Na-butyrate for 1 day. This was associated with a twofold increase in the mRNA expression levels of Trpv6 in the proximal and distal colon. Contrary, Na-butyrate did not affect serum Mg²⁺ concentrations at either of the intervention periods. However, we observed a reduction in urinary Mg²⁺ excretion, although not significantly, after 1 day of treatment. A significant reduction of 2.5–fold in urinary Mg²⁺ excretion was observed after 14 days of treatment. Indeed, 14-day Na-butyrate supplementation increased colonic Trpm7 expression by 1.2-fold compared to control mice. In conclusion, short-term Na-butyrate supplementation increases serum Ca²⁺ levels in mice. This was associated with increased mRNA expression levels of Trpv6 in the colon, suggesting that Na-butyrate regulates the expression of genes involved in active intestinal Ca²⁺ absorption.
... 17 Recent accumulating data from animal and human trials have underlined a beneficial role for prebiotics on bone mass density, and/or calcium and magnesium absorption, and/or impact of the bone markers turnover. 15,18 Increased calcium absorption has been noticed in adolescents [19][20][21][22][23][24] and postmenopausal women [25][26][27] after consumption of prebiotics. In other studies, supplementation with calcium and prebiotics affected the bone turnover markers while it did not change the bone mineral density. ...
Article
Full-text available
Recent data have highlighted the role of gut microbiota and of its several metabolites on bone health. Thus, gut microbiota manipulation, e.g., by prebiotics, might offer a plausible target in the fight against bone degenerative diseases. This study aimed (a) to investigate the in vitro prebiotic potential of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms in healthy and osteopenic women and (b) to explore the impact of mushrooms fermentation products on human osteoblasts. G. lucidum LGAM 9720 and P. ostreatus IK 1123 lyophilized mushroom-powders (2% w/v) and their hot-water extracts (1% w/v) were fermented in a 24-h static batch culture model by using faecal inocula from healthy (n=3) or osteopenic (n=3) donors. Gut microbiota analysis (qPCR) and measurement of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) were performed during fermentation, and 24h-prebiotic indexes were calculated. Evaluation of fermentation product effects on bone metabolism parameters (OPG: Osteoprotegerin; RANKL: Receptor activator of Nuclear factor kappa B ligand) in osteoblast cultures was also performed. Our data suggest that the origin of the gut microbiota inoculum plays a major role in the viability of osteoblasts. The treatments using of P. ostreatus mushroom-powder and G. lucidum mushroom-extract had positive effects based on gut microbiota and SCFAs analysis. Both mushrooms exhibited lower RANKL levels compared to controls, whereas their extracts tended to enhance the osteoblastic activity. In conclusion, rich in beta-glucans mushrooms may exert beneficial in vitro effects on bone physiology by alterations in gut microbiota and/or SCFAs production.
... Also, lactose appeared to promote absorption of magnesium from milk in rats (81,82), but this was not confirmed in humans (83). As for calcium, unabsorbed lactose may act as a prebiotic and stimulate magnesium uptake in the large intestine, but this needs further investigation (84,85). ...
Article
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In order to fully exploit the nutrient density concept, thorough understanding of the biological activity of single nutrients in their interaction with other nutrients and food components from whole foods is important. This review provides a narrative overview of recent insights into nutrient bioavailability from complex foods in humans, highlighting synergistic and antagonistic processes among food components for two different food groups, i.e., dairy, and vegetables and fruits. For dairy, bioavailability of vitamins A, B2, B12 and K, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and iodine are discussed, whereas bioavailability of pro-vitamin A, folate, vitamin C and K, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron are discussed for vegetables and fruits. Although the bioavailability of some nutrients is fairly well-understood, for other nutrients the scientific understanding of uptake, absorption, and bioavailability in humans is still at a nascent stage. Understanding the absorption and bioavailability of nutrients from whole foods in interaction with food components that influence these processes will help to come to individual diet scores that better reflect absorbable nutrient intake in epidemiologic studies that relate dietary intake to health outcomes. Moreover, such knowledge may help in the design of foods, meals, and diets that aid in the supply of bioavailable nutrients to specific target groups.
... However, a RCT parallel study conducted by Martin et al. (87) demonstrated that the same inulin-FOS blend had no impact on Ca absorption or retention in adolescent girls. Another study reported that 10 g/d of FOS supplementation did not impact Ca, but increased Mg absorption in adolescent girls with habitual low Ca intake (79). ...
Article
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In recent years, it has become increasingly obvious that dietary fiber or nondigestible carbohydrate (NDC) consumption is critical for maintaining optimal health and managing symptoms of metabolic disease. In accordance with this, the US FDA released its first official definition of dietary fiber in 2016 for regulation of Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels. Included in this definition is the requirement of an isolated or synthetic NDC to produce an accepted physiologic health benefit, such as improved laxation or reduced fasting cholesterol concentrations, upon consumption. Even though NDC fermentation and production of short-chain fatty acids elicit many physiologic effects, including serving as a source of energy for colonocytes, curbing glycemic response and satiety, promoting weight loss, enhancing mineral absorption, reducing systemic inflammation, and improving intestinal health, the process of fermentation is not considered a physiologic endpoint. Instead, expensive and laborious clinical trials must be conducted and an accepted physiologic benefit observed. In this review, we discuss the physiologic importance of NDC fermentation through extensive examination of clinical evidence and propose that the degree of fermentability of an NDC, rather than the endpoints of a clinical trial, may be appropriate for classifying it as a dietary fiber.
... Participants highlighted that the effects of pre-and probiotics on calcium absorption need to be fully defined and then applied to individual requirements by inclusion in mathematical models. Further research is needed to understand how the structure of different prebiotics affects calcium absorption and the interactions between prebiotics, vitamin D status, and calcium intake (35). However, the evidence collected to date suggests that the effect of pre-and probiotics is currently irrelevant when setting dietary recommendations for calcium. ...
Data
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A micronutrient bioavailability workshop, which involved international experts and members of the scientific community and the food industry, with interactive breakout sessions based on synectics principles , was organized by the International Life Sciences Institute Europe Addition of Nutrients to Food Task Force and the European Commission Network of Excellence European Micronutrient Recommendations Aligned. After presentations by experts, a series of "challenge statements" was discussed. The aim was to address topical issues, in particular those that linked bioavailability with the derivation of micronutrient requirements and dietary recommendations, to identify gaps in knowledge and to consider research priorities. Several generic research priorities were identified, including improving the quality of dietary surveys/food composition tables, the need for more metabolic studies that use stable isotopes and high-quality longer-term interventions, and the development of multifactorial mathematical models. Among the common recurrent factors identified as important were polymorphisms/genotype, consideration of the whole diet, chemical form of the micronutrient, and the determination of physiologic requirements. The involvement of all participants in the structured discussions ensured a broad overview of current knowledge, state-of-the-art research, and consideration of priorities for future research. Am J Clin Nutr
... A similar finding was obtained with healthy men fed a Mg-adequate diet containing either 20% fructose or 20% cornstarch [65]. These findings are consistent to those of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (e.g., oligofructose-enriched inulin) increasing the intestinal absorption of magnesium [66][67][68][69]. However, it should be noted that the mechanism for the increased absorption differs between fructose and FOS. ...
Article
Full-text available
Determination of the public health concern about magnesium (Mg) in health and disease has been confounded by the lack of a practical measure of status. This has resulted in a lack of consistency in associating Mg deficiency with specific pathological conditions. Some attempts at associating Mg with a chronic disease have used the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) as a status assessment measure. Use of current DRIs for Mg is problematic because recent evidence suggests that they should be updated and based on body weight. An evidence-based suggested Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for a 70-kg individual is 175 and 250 mg/day, respectively. However, numerous dietary and physiological factors can affect the need for Mg and thus affect the use of the current or suggested new DRIs to assess Mg status. Calcium intakes above normal requirements can decrease Mg balance and exacerbate signs of Mg deficiency. Mg deficiency apparently occurs often in obesity because of increased need to counteract the inflammatory stress induced by adipose tissue dysfunction. Deficiency in anti-oxidant nutrients such as vitamin E and selenium can exacerbate a response to low dietary Mg indicated by increased oxidative stress which can lead to chronic disease. Dietary modifiers of Mg absorption and excretion affect balance and thus the need for Mg. Factors decreasing Mg balance include low dietary protein and non-fermentable fiber, while factors that can increase balance include fructose and fermentable fiber and fructose-containing oligosaccharides. Use of the DRIs to assess the Mg status of a population or group needs to consider their physiological characteristics and dietary habits and be aware that the DRIs may need updating. The DRIs only can be considered a component of a toolbox that presently includes serum Mg concentration and the daily urinary Mg excretion to assess the Mg status of an individual.
... Experiments carried out on humans showed similar results to those observed on animals. Supplementation of diet with oligofructose-enriched inulin and a daily intake of short chain fructans increased bone magnesium retention in postmenopausal women [44,45] and improved its absorption in adolescent girls with a low calcium intake [56]. ...
Article
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Fructan molecules have a history of more than 150 years and ancient peoples used fructans containing plants as food, feed or medicine. The modern history of fructans began with their discovery by Rose (1804) and known at the turn of the 20th century considerable development with Edelman's proposal concerning their metabolism in higher plant. At present time, fructans are considered food not food ingredients, and are found in more than 500 food products resulting in significant daily consumption. Because the science of nutrition itself has changed, fructans are now considered as functional foods and the passionate history of their health benefits continues to arise interest of scientists. Contrary to the fact that non-digestible carbohydrates have been accused of causing an impairment in the small intestine absorption of minerals, research conducted during the last three decades demonstrated that fructans enhanced mineral absorption, and the scientific evidence claiming that fructans enhance mineral absorption is based on both animal and human experiments which are very conclusive. Although different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the roles of fructans in enhancing minerals absorption, the mechanisms behind this enhancement are still unclear, even though investigation have demonstrated that different fructans-related mechanisms may be involved in the increased absorption of minerals due to fructans intake. This review paper aims to report on the recent development and the roles of fructans in enhancing mineral absorption and their deficiencies prevention.
... Study design. Study participants in this 3-phase, double-blind, crossover study were assigned 0, 10, and 20 g fiber/d from PROMITOR SCF 85 (provided by Tate & Lyle) in randomized order because these doses of nondigestible fibers were tolerable and effective at improving mineral absorption in similar crossover studies that used different prebiotics (12)(13)(14)(15). Random assignment was performed such that equal numbers of participants would be assigned to each of the 3 fiber interventions. ...
Article
Background: Soluble corn fiber (SCF; 12 g fiber/d) is shown to increase calcium absorption efficiency, associated with shifts in the gut microbiota in adolescent males and females who participated in a controlled feeding study. Objective: We evaluated the dose response of 0, 10, and 20 g fiber/d delivered by PROMITOR SCF 85 (85% fiber) on calcium absorption, biochemical bone properties, and the fecal microbiome in free-living adolescents. Methods: Healthy adolescent females (n = 28; aged 11-14 y) randomly assigned into a 3-phase, double-blind, crossover study consumed SCF for 4 wk at each dose (0, 10, and 20 g fiber/d from SCF) alongside their habitual diet and were followed by 3-d clinical visits and 3-wk washout periods. Stable isotope ((44)Ca and (43)Ca) enrichment in pooled urine was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Fecal microbial community composition was assessed by high-throughput sequencing (Illumina) of polymerase chain reaction-amplified 16S rRNA genes. Mixed model ANOVA and Friedman analysis were used to determine effects of SCF on calcium absorption and to compare mean microbial proportions, respectively. Results: Calcium absorption increased significantly with 10 (13.3% ± 5.3%; P = 0.042) and 20 g fiber/d (12.9% ± 3.6%; P = 0.026) from SCF relative to control. Significant differences in fecal microbial community diversity were found after consuming SCF (operational taxonomic unit measures of 601.4 ± 83.5, 634.5 ± 83.8, and 649.6 ± 75.5 for 0, 10, and 20 g fiber/d, respectively; P < 0.05). Proportions of the genus Parabacteroides significantly increased with SCF dose (1.1% ± 0.8%, 2.1% ± 1.6%, and 3.0% ± 2.0% for 0, 10, and 20 g fiber/d from SCF, respectively; P < 0.05). Increases in calcium absorption positively correlated with increases in Clostridium (r = 0.44, P = 0.023) and unclassified Clostridiaceae (r = 0.40, P = 0.040). Conclusions: SCF, a nondigestible carbohydrate, increased calcium absorption in free-living adolescent females. Two groups of bacteria may be involved, one directly fermenting SCF and the second fermenting SCF metabolites further, thereby promoting increased calcium absorption. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01660503.
... Uno studio clinico ha dimostrato l'efficacia di tali composti somministrati per 8 giorni, seguiti da assunzioni intermittenti per i successivi 28 giorni nel promuovere l'assorbimento di magnesio in 14 donne che avevano una dieta carente in calcio 17 . Dopo un totale di 36 giorni di integrazione, l'assorbimento di magnesio è risultato essere incrementato del 18%, senza però discostare o valori di vitamina D, ormone paratiroideo, e altri marcatori del riassorbimento di calcio osseo. ...
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The aim of this paper was to investigate the main clinical effects of an original probiotic formulation based on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5, and Bifidobacterium bifidum BB12 with short-chain fruit oligosaccharides. We searched Pubmed/Medline using the terms “Lactobacillus rhamnosus”, “Lactobacillus acidophilus”, “Bifidobacterium bifidum” and “short-chain fruit oligosaccharides”. Selected papers from 2000 to 2015 were chosen based on their content (evidence-based quality and reliability). In vivo experimental studies and clinical trials were considered. We did not find any scientific report of a putative biological synergy among the three bacteria strains contemporarily administered. However, many evidences based on ex-vivo experimental studies, highlight the symptomatic advantages of each strain individual administration. The most suitable target of this mixed probiotic formulation is the gastrointestinal tract bacterial imbalance, diverticulitis, or Helicobacter pylory infections, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Gut inflammation, and allergic diseases are improved by these strains modulating the Th1 lymphocyte population, rather than Th2, and a potential benefit in liver diseases, and lipid dismetabolism should be further deeply investigated.
... The studies of the last decades highlight that these carbohydrates have several applications on medicine, feeding and industry (Yun 1996 andDe Leenher andSmeekens 1998). Therefore, obtaining fructans for their application in animals (Awati et al. 2006 andVancraeynest 2008) and humans (van den Heuvel et al. 2009 andLavanda et al. 2011) is important, as they are ingredients that offer nutritional value to the feedings and improve the health of the consumer. ...
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Generalities on the prebiotic concept are presented. The characteristics of fructans, including inulin as the most used additive worldwide, are highlighted. Its beneficial effect on the health and productive performance of animals is referred.
... No estudo feito por Tahiri et al. 33 , a suplementação com 10 g de frutanos por dia, durante 5 semanas, foi capaz de aumentar em 12,3% a absorção intestinal de magnésio em mulheres pós-menopausadas, com aumento das concentrações plasmáticas e da excreção urinária do mineral. Em outro estudo, realizado por van den Heuvel et al. 34 foram observados resultados semelhantes em adolescentes do sexo feminino, com melhora de 18% na absorção do mineral, após suplementação com 10g de frutanos por dia, durante 36 dias. ...
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Recent studies have shown inadequate intake of various nutrients, and magnesium, in particular is a mineral with reduced consumption among the population. Therefore, considering the importance of magnesium metabolism in maintenance of homeostasis, the paucity of data regarding the consumption of this mineral, this review aims to bring current information on metabolism, bioavailability and intake of this micronutrient. A narrative review was conducted, and the literature was carried out in the databases PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, using the following "magnesium metabolism", "bioavailability", "intake". Magnesium deficiency can result from inadequate intake or increased excretion, and the homeostasis of this nutrient in our body is mainly regulated by the kidneys. There are factors that inhibit the absorption process of magnesium, such as the presence in the diet of foods rich in phytates, oxalates, phosphates and dietary fiber; and promoters, such as lactose, and carbohydrates. It is observed that the average intake values of magnesium by the population are lower than recommendations of the Dietary Reference Intakes. Thus, it is clear that there is inadequacy in magnesium consumption, which contributes to manifestation of their disability in the population, and studies on the topic are required, whereas the metabolism of this mineral is not fully elucidated, neither their interactions with other nutrients or dietary substances.
... No estudo feito por Tahiri et al. 33 , a suplementação com 10 g de frutanos por dia, durante 5 semanas, foi capaz de aumentar em 12,3% a absorção intestinal de magnésio em mulheres pós-menopausadas, com aumento das concentrações plasmáticas e da excreção urinária do mineral. Em outro estudo, realizado por van den Heuvel et al. 34 foram observados resultados semelhantes em adolescentes do sexo feminino, com melhora de 18% na absorção do mineral, após suplementação com 10g de frutanos por dia, durante 36 dias. ...
... Increased postbrandial satiety, lower hunger rates and a subsequently decreased total energy intake during meals following prebiotic consumption have been demonstrated (Cani et al., 2006), and furthermore, satiety increasing effects were evident in both a short-term two-week intervention (Cani et al., 2009) and in a long-term 12-month study on adolescent girls and boys (n=100) . Some indications of the role of FOS and inulin on improved mineral absorption (calcium and magnesium) from the colon and a consequently improved bone turnover rate exist (van den Heuvel et al., 1999;Younes et al., 2001;Scholz-Ahrens et al., 2002;Holloway et al., 2007) although the evidence is mainly experimental and human studies have shown contradictory results (Griffin et al., 2002;Tahiri et al., 2003;van den Heuvel et al., 2009). Nevertheless, consumption of high doses of FOS (20g/day) may also cause inverse gastrointestinal symptoms, such as flatulence and bloating, which could derive from the (too) rapid fermentation of FOS, leading to an accumulation of lactate that would otherwise normally be metabolized further into SCFAs, and inducing mucin secretion, reflecting irritation and impairment of the intestinal barrier (Ten Bruggencate et al., 2005. ...
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Ca ²⁺ and Mg ²⁺ are essential nutrients, and deficiency can cause serious health problems. Thus, lack of Ca ²⁺ and Mg ²⁺ can lead to osteoporosis, with incidence rising both in absolute and age‐specific terms, while Mg ²⁺ deficiency is associated with type II diabetes. Prevention via vitamin D or estrogen is controversial, and the bioavailability of Ca ²⁺ and Mg ²⁺ from supplements is significantly lower than that from milk products. Problems are likely to increase as populations age and the number of people on vegan diets surges. Developing new therapeutic strategies requires a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in absorption by intestinal epithelia. The vitamin‐D dependent, active pathway for the uptake of Ca ²⁺ from the upper small intestine involving TRPV6 is highly efficient but only accounts for about 20% of total uptake. Instead, most Ca ²⁺ uptake is thought to occur via passive paracellular diffusion across the ileum, although sufficiently high luminal concentrations are difficult to achieve.. Interestingly, colon and caecum also have a considerable capacity for the active absorption of Ca ²⁺ and Mg ²⁺ , the molecular mechanisms of which are unclear. Intriguingly, stimulating fermentation by prebiotics enhances colonic absorption, which can rise from ~10% to ~30% of the total. Notably, fermentation releases protons, which inhibits channels highly selective for Ca ²⁺ and Mg ²⁺ (TRPV6 and TRPM6/TRPM7). Conversely, the non‐selective cation channel TRPV3 is stimulated by both intracellular acidification and by numerous herbal compounds. Spicy, fiber‐rich food, as traditionally consumed in many cultures, might enhance the uptake of Ca ²⁺ and Mg ²⁺ via this pathway.
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Targeting the gut–bone axis with probiotics and prebiotics is considered as a promising strategy to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Gut-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFA) mediate the effects of probiotics on bone via Tregs, but it is not known whether prebiotics act through a similar mechanism. We investigated how 2 different prebiotics, tart cherry (TC) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS), affect bone, and whether Tregs are required for this response. Eight-wk-old C57BL/6 female mice were fed with diets supplemented with 10% w/w TC, FOS, or a control diet (Con; AIN-93M) diet, and they received an isotype control or CD25 Ab to suppress Tregs. The FOS diet increased BMC, density, and trabecular bone volume in the vertebra (~40%) and proximal tibia (~30%) compared to the TC and control diets (Con), irrespective of CD25 treatment. Both prebiotics increased (P < .01) fecal SCFAs, but the response was greater with FOS. To determine how FOS affected bone cells, we examined genes involved in osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and activity as well as genes expressed by osteocytes. The FOS increased the expression of regulators of osteoblast differentiation (bone morphogenetic protein 2 [Bmp2], Wnt family member 10b [Wnt10b] and Osterix [Osx]) and type 1 collagen). Osteoclasts regulators were unaltered. The FOS also increased the expression of genes associated with osteocytes, including (Phex), matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (Mepe), and dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (Dmp-1). However, Sost, the gene that encodes for sclerostin was also increased by FOS as the number and density of osteocytes increased. These findings demonstrate that FOS has a greater effect on the bone mass and structure in young adult female mice than TC and that its influence on osteoblasts and osteocytes is not dependent on Tregs.
Chapter
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotic compounds used in the food, cosmetic and dentistry industries. These value-added compounds have been subject to attention and research for the last decade because of the health-promoting properties related to a regular FOS intake. FOS are natural carbohydrate compounds formed by several fructosyl units linked by a β-(2-1) linkage to terminal glucose. FOS are naturally occurring in some fruits, vegetables and other crops but, due to seasonal dependence and industry demand, several efforts have been made to produce FOS biotechnologically, either using whole cells of microorganisms that possess transfructosylation enzymes which catalyze FOS synthesis or systems with purified enzymes that look to improve FOS production yields. FOS structure, occurrence in plants, health properties, production, purification and developments are reviewed and discussed in the chapter.
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The human intestine is characterized by an abundance of nutrients and a complex microbiota that make crucial contributions to overall health. These nutrients facilitate the adaptation of resident commensals to extreme environments and the development of a robust ecological network in host species. Long-term deprivation of microbiota-accessible carbohydrates (MACs) in the gut results in a loss of bacterial diversity, disruption of intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory diseases. Functional oligosaccharides are excellent MACs possessing important prebiotic properties for intestinal health through their fermentation in the gut. Its mechanism of action is predominantly attributed to acting as carbon sources for specific probiotics, promoting short-chain fatty acids production, and regulating the gut microbiota. In this review, we describe the source and structural characteristics of functional oligosaccharides, provide a framework for strategies to improve intestinal health by oligosaccharide fermentation and discuss structural determinants influencing the functional properties of oligosaccharides.
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Short chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) are well-recognized prebiotic fibers. Fossence™ (FOSS) is a scFOS that has been produced from sucrose via a proprietary fermentation process and has not been tested for its digestibility or glucose/insulin response (GR and IR, respectively). The present randomized, controlled, cross-over study was conducted in 3 phases to explore GR and IR to ingestion of FOSS, when replaced by/added to available-carbohydrates (avCHO) among 25 healthy adults (40 ± 14years). In each phase GR and IR elicited by 3–4 test-meals were measured among the fasted recruited subjects. The interventional test meals were as follows: Phase-1, water alone or 10g FOSS or 10g Dextrose in 250ml water; Phase-2, 250ml water containing Dextrose:FOSS (g:g) in the content as 50:0 or 50:15 or 35:0 or 35:15; Phase-3 portions of white-bread (WB) containing avCHO:FOSS (g:g) in the content as 50:0 or 50:15 or 35:0 or 35:15. Blood samples (finger prick method) were collected at fasting and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after start of test meal ingestion. Plasma glucose and serum insulin were analyzed utilizing standard methods. The primary endpoint was differences in glucose IAUC. All subjects provided their written consent to participate in the study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03755232). The results demonstrated that FOSS, when consumed alone, showed no raise in glycaemia or insulinemia and was statistically equivalent to response of water alone. GR and IR elicited by dextrose:FOSS and WB:FOSS test-meals of Phase 2 and Phase 3, were statistically equivalent to the respective test-meals without FOSS. Result of the 3 phases support the hypothesis that FOSS is resistant to breakdown and is indigestible in the human small-intestine, and therefore can be classified as an unavailable carbohydrate that does not raise post prandial blood glucose or insulin. FOSS, being sweet to taste, may be an acceptable sugar replacer in beverages without compromising their taste and sensory qualities.
Article
Prebiotics may enhance iron absorption, and one plausible mechanism involves the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the colon by intestinal microflora. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of common commercially-available prebiotics including fructooligosaccharide (FOS), inulin, FOS-inulin mixture, galactooligosaccharide (GOS), and lactulose on the iron status of anemic rats, and to monitor changes in the production of colonic SCFA. Anemic Sprague-Dawley rats receiving a low-iron diet (12 μg Fe/g diet) were supplemented with or without prebiotics (5% m/V in drinking water) for 5 weeks. Hemoglobin concentration in rats supplemented with GOS after 3 weeks (4.3 g/dL) was significantly higher than rats without supplementation (3.7 g/dL), while FOS also significantly increased hemoglobin concentration after 4 weeks (4.1 g/dL vs. 3.7 g/dL). All other prebiotics showed no effects. Anemic rats showed lower overall SCFA production in the colon than normal rats, and only FOS significantly increased the production of the three main SCFA (acetic acid, propionic acid and isobutyric acid) identified in anemic rats, with other prebiotics showing no noticeable trends. Our results suggest that GOS and FOS may slightly improve iron status of anemic rats, but the role of SCFA in the colon is not clear.
Chapter
In traditional medicine, botanicals and medicinal plants in their natural and processed form are widely used [1] due to their medicinal and antioxidant properties. Numerous analytical methods have been developed for the analysis of chemical composition of medicinal plants extracts like gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry (MS), thin layer chromatography (TLC), UV spectrometry, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All these methods are precise but expensive, time-consuming and require many reagents. As an alternative, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRs), as a simple, selective, and environmentally friendly method [2], can be used. NIR spectroscopy is a non-destructive measurement method that allows intact measuring, without any additional sample preparation or pre-treatment. Use of spectroscopy in the near infrared region allows a wide range of applications in the food chain production, from control of raw materials to intermediary and final products [3] in order to provide a quality guarantee for consumers. NIR spectroscopy is based on the electromagnetic absorption in the near infrared region. Spectral analysis has to be assisted with various chemometric techniques, such as multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA), principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) [4]. Chemometric techniques and chemometric modelling have become an integral part of spectral data analysis which also includes pre-processing of NIR spectra. The pre-processing objective is removal of physical phenomena in the spectra in order to improve the subsequent multivariate regression, classification model or exploratory analysis [5]. In this work, most widely used pre-processing techniques including (i) scatter-correction methods and (ii) spectral derivatives are explained through analysis of spectra of dried medicinal plants collected during the size reduction process (milling), as well as during analysis of the kinetics of the solid-liquid extraction process using water as a solvent [6]. In order to identify patterns in large set of data and express the data to highlight similarities and differences among them, PCA was used. PCA presents the pattern of similarity of the observations and the variables by displaying them as points in maps [7]. PLS regression was used to predict or analyse a set of dependent variables from a set of independent variables or predictors. The predictive ability of a PLS model is expressed as one or more statistical measures. Which parameter should be used is described by R-Squared Coefficient, Ratio of standard error of Performance to standard Deviation (RPD) and Range Error Ratio (RER).
Article
Background & aims Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are non-caloric and unconventional sugars that are not metabolized by the human body, but can be fermented by the colonic microbiota, leading to some beneficial effects on the absorption of minerals and trace elements. There is, however, a lack of research that describes the continued consumption of FOS in the diet between healthy and ill individuals and their impact. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence behind the role of FOS in the absorption of minerals and trace elements in the human body. Methods The bibliographic research covered the period from January 2000 to August 2020. Four databases were investigated. We follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA). The systematic review protocol was recorded in PROSPERO (139621). Two reviewers examined and extracted data from qualitative and quantitative studies published in the main databases, through a careful analysis. The risk of bias was assessed by four reviewers. Results Of a total of 1494 texts, 30 complete articles composed this review. Two overarching categories represented the results: animal models and human models (randomized crossover design). Regarding human models, the results showed an improvement in minerals, especially the absorption of calcium, magnesium and iron after the ingestion of FOS, and specifically the absorption of minerals and trace elements in postmenopausal women was improved. Conclusions The use of FOS to improve the absorption of minerals and trace elements seems to be beneficial with evidence corroborating both in human and animal studies. However, the literature lacks articles exploring the daily dose and duration for FOS benefits, as well as long-term side effects in healthy or unhealthy subjects. Future research should focus on addressing the extent of the functional effect of this fiber and identifying the impact on overall health.
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The largest number of cells (10e14) in the human body is located within the intestinal tract lumen. These organisms are collectively called the gut microbiota (GM). The microbiome refers to the aggregate collection of genomes and genes present in gut microbiota. GM can vary according to age, sex, diet, living conditions, geography, immune status, genetic background, and diseases requiring antibiotic treatment and drugs. Bone homeostasis is influenced by GM composition and/or products. GM is able to modulate and stimulate IGF-I synthesis by the host. A GM-host interaction contributes to control the host immune system development. GM composition, metabolism, and products can be modified by either prebiotics, which are nondigestible fibers metabolized in the distal part of the gastrointestinal tract, or probiotics, which are microorganisms conferring a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts. A source of probiotics is fortified fermented dairy products, which in addition provide calcium, protein, phosphorus, and various micronutrients.
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Increasing scientific evidence has identified the correlation among dietary intake, the gut microbiome, and human health. Controlling the microbiome within the human gut through dietary modifications sheds light on novel nutritional strategies and clinical practices in reducing some chronic diseases. The emerging field of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics is associated with the development of nutritional interventions, gut microbiome with positively impact health outcomes. Although there is strong evidence to demonstrate the complex link between gut microbiota and human health, substantial challenges still remain in delivering effective, stable and cost efficient foods with positive health outcomes, building personalized diets based on the gut microbiome profile, and standardizing clinical practices and establishing regulation. Dietary intervention, as a strong applicator, on microbiota and consequently on physiology and immune system, could play significant role in reducing the risk and progression of some chronic diseases including cancer and obesity. In this chapter, the authors focus on prebiotics as functional carbohydrate polymers, including traditional ones of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), as well as potential ones of pectin oligosaccharides (POS), xylooligosaccharides (XOS), arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (AXOS), and glucomannan oligosaccharides (GMOS). To better understand the complex interplay of diet, nutrition and the microbiome in food development, as well as the effects of diet on the diversity of human microbiome, the contents of source, chemical structure, processing, physiological functionalities for each prebiotic will be covered.
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Most studies on prebiotics and mineral absorption have focused on calcium as it is crucial for bone health, especially in children and women. Many human trials have been carried out, and these have confirmed that prebiotics stimulate mineral absorption. Prebiotics were originally defined by some researchers as 'a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and thus improves host health'. Since prebiotics can benefit human gut health in many aspects, their effects on colorectal cancer have also been investigated. Inulin-type fructans are the best studied prebiotics, and many human studies have been carried out to investigate various health benefits, such as increased mineral absorption, effect on energy regulation, effect on lipid metabolism, improvement of immunity, potential to prevent colorectal cancer and gut function improvement.
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Recent advancements in food science have resulted in the extraction and synthesis of novel dietary fibers or prebiotics. Subsequently, great interest has emerged in developing strategies to improve metabolic conditions like osteoporosis by modulating the intestinal microbiome with fiber. Prebiotics have been shown to increase calcium absorption in the lower gut of both animals and humans as well as improve measures of bone mineral density and strength in rodent models. Fewer data are available in humans, but data from growing children and postmenopausal women suggest that prebiotics have both short- and long-term effects that beneficially affect bone turnover and mineral accretion in the skeleton. Currently, the exact mechanism by which these products elicit their effects on bone is poorly understood, but emerging data suggest that the gut microbiota may be involved in one or more direct and indirect pathways. The most well-accepted mechanism is through microbial fermentation of prebiotics which results in the production of short-chain fatty acids and a concomitant decrease in pH which increases the bioavailability of calcium in the colon. While other mechanisms may be eliciting a prebiotic effect on bone, the current data suggest that novel dietary fibers may be an affordable and effective method of maximizing mineral accretion in growing children and preventing bone loss in later years when osteoporosis is a greater risk. This chapter will discuss the dynamic role of prebiotics in bone health by discussing the current state of the art, addressing gaps in knowledge and their role in public health.
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Fructooligosaccharides are carbohydrates that have a sucrose molecule and one or more fructosyl units linked to it. The consumption of these sugars increases multiplication of beneficial microorganisms cells in the gastrointestinal tract aiding the maintenance of health and the host's well-being. The fructooligosaccharides may be produced by the use of the β-fructofuranosidase and/or fructosyltransferase enzymes. These enzymes carry out the linkage of one or more fructose units to a sucrose molecule. Yeasts, unlike others microorganisms, were little exploited for producing fructooligosaccharides and, else, environmental micro-organisms are exposed to various stress factors such as differences in the availability of water and osmotic pressure, changing their physiology to adapt to the environment. So, wild yeasts become an interesting object of study for obtaining fructooligosaccharides. The objective of this work is to select environmental yeasts capable of synthesizing fructooligosaccharides and identify its genus and species. Of the 141 yeast environmental evaluated in sucrose solution 500 gl-1, initial pH value of 4.5 ± 0.2, 50 °C, 150 rpm, 65 yeasts formed the fructooligosaccharide 1-kestose. The yeasts were selected by thin layer chromatography and the carbohydrate was identified by high efficiency liquid chromatography. The formation of fructooligosaccharides by the eight selected yeasts was evaluated at temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C at pH 4.5; 5.5 and 6.5. Within six hours of reaction, the yeast 225 formed 23.47 ± 1.88 g.L -1 of 1-kestose, at a temperature of 60 °C and pH 4.5, and yeast 222 formed 2.56 ± 3.90 g.L-1 1-kestose and 14.89 ± 0.39 g.L-1 of nystose, at temperature of 50 °C and pH value of 4.5. The selected yeasts were identified through the techniques of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and PCR-RFLP as Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
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Osteoporosis is a major public health concern for men and women over the age of 50, characterized by structural deterioration and low bone mass (NOF 2011) leading to hip and spine fractures, as well as loss of function, independence, and increased risk of death with mortality rates between 20-24% one year after fracture (Leibson et al. 2002). This debilitating disease is highly influenced by genetic and environmental factors with diet as an especially important modifiable lifestyle factor that helps maximize and prolong skeletal health.
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Global Industry Analysts Incorporation has released a report, Kids' Food and Beverages: A Global Strategic Business Report, which projects that the global kids' food and beverages market will reach about $89.3 billion by the year 2015. The kid's food products that address immunity, cognitive health, bone health, and obesity are of increasing interest. One of the products, a yeast-based ingredient, EpiCor® from Embria Health Sciences LLC, Ankeny, Iowa, is found in children's supplements such as EpiCor for Kids and EpiCor Junior. Moyad et al. recently concluded that EpiCor® significantly reduced cold and flu-like symptoms in non-vaccinated individuals. Kimmel et al. has evaluated the effect of GanedenBC 30 on immunological marker levels following viral exposure. Leyer et al. has demonstrated the benefits of a probiotic formulation HOWARU® Protect from Danisco USA Inc., New Century, Kan. in maintaining immune health in children.
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The intestinal microbiota plays a major role in health and well-being of the host. Prebiotics can, by definition, alter the intestinal microbiota composition and activity. This will contribute to improved health, not only digestive health, of the host. While prebiotics share many properties with fibre, the terms cannot be used interchangeably. Fructo-oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides are among the most widely investigated examples of prebiotics. However, here we will also discuss the properties of emerging prebiotics such as xylo-oligosaccharides and polydextrose. Specific prebiotics have been observed to contribute to relief of irritable bowel syndrome and to reduce inflammatory responses in the gut. Furthermore, selected prebiotics have been shown to improve mineral absorption and reduce appetite (and may thus contribute to weight control). While prebiotics can be combined with probiotics, this concept of synbiotics has been shown to be more challenging that anticipated. While prebiotics hold great promise, it is important to look beyond bifidogenicity, as has been pointed out by a number of regulatory agencies.
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Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates, composed of up to twenty monosaccharides linked by glycosydic bonds, widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. These compounds can be obtained by extraction from natural sources (milk, vegetables, fruits), and by chemical or biotechnological processes. In the last case, chemical structures and composition of the generated oligosaccharides depend on the type and source of enzymes, and on process conditions, including the initial concentration of substrate. Among the various functions of nondigestible oligosac‐ charides, one that has attracted attention is its prebiotic potential. The intestinal benefits of prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides and inulin as well as their symbiotic association with probiotic bacteria, encompass prevention and treat‐ ment of infectious diseases, including viral or bacterial diarrhea, and chronic inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Other benefits attributed to prebiotics and probiotics include treatment of inflammatory intestinal and irritable bowel syndrome, prevention of cancer, and modulation of the immune system, mineral absorption and lipid metabolism. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooli‐ gosaccharides (GOS) and chitooligosaccharides (COS) have been widely studied for their prebiotic properties. Moreover, novel oligosaccharides with potential prebiotic activity are currently under investigation. This review will focus mainly on the biotechnological production, health benefits and applications of non-natural oligosaccharides in the food industry.
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Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs), as a mixture of 1-kestose, nystose, and 1F-fructofuranosylnystose oligosaccharides, exhibit lots of beneficial effects on our health and have been used as food ingredients. There have been a lot of reports on how to raise FOSs yield in different ways, but almost nobody did any deeply studies on the composition of FOSs—proportion of each component. However, different components may have different functions and some even show side-effects. In this research, we employed immobilized fructosyltransferase to produce FOSs and got a maximum yield of 56.12 %. Then we successfully produced FOSs of different components proportions by adjusting the reaction parameters—pH, temperature, and fermentation time. We designed six groups to investigate the relationship between reaction parameters and components proportions, and the results showed that pH condition mainly affects the yield while reaction time mainly affects components proportions. It is the first time that the components proportions of FOSs are systemically investigated, and we finally figured out six protocols for producing different FOSs. This is a basic investigation on the relationship between FOSs components proportions and reaction conditions. We hope this research can be helpful for other researchers who are interested in this area.
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Protective nutrients benefit health in various ways beyond their conventionally established nutrient function such as by enhancing immune function, promoting gastrointestinal integrity, impacting metabolism, and preventing disease. Certain of these key nutrients have taken center stage as emerging research is showing that they can play a significant role throughout the life span. Study of an infants’ first natural nutrition, breast milk, has led to an improved understanding of how different compounds can beneficially effect physiological processes and act as protective nutrients. Probiotics, or “healthy bacteria,” are living microorganisms that confer a benefit when consumed in sufficient quantities. For example, certain strains help maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiota, a complex ecosystem that can be influenced by many factors such as stress, antibiotics, and diet. Research suggests that, when the intestinal microbiota is unbalanced, overall health may be affected. Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates that can be used as an energy source by certain probiotics, thereby helping them grow and flourish to further promote a healthy ecosystem. Additional nutrients such as choline, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids have also gained attention as being protective beyond normal growth and development, possessing functional effects that may be vital to future recommendations for health.
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This chapter describes the various compounds that can act as prebiotic fibers: their structure, occurrence, production, and physiological effects (health effects) will be presented. The basis for the description is the latest definitions for dietary fibers and for prebiotics. Using as much as possible data from human studies, both the fiber and the prebiotic properties will be described of a variety of compounds. Based on the presented data the latest developments in the area of prebiotics, fibers and gut and immune health will be discussed in more detail as they show best what the potential impact of prebiotics on health of the human host might be. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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The influence of the serum binding protein (DBP) for vitamin D and its metabolites on the concentration of its main ligands, 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25-OHD(3)) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-[OH](2)D(3)) was studied. The concentration of both 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and DBP in normal female subjects (45+/-14 ng/liter and 333+/-58 mg/liter, mean+/-SD, respectively; n = 58) increased during the intake of estro-progestogens (69+/-27 ng/liter and 488+/-90 mg/liter, respectively; n = 29), whereas the 25-OHD(3) concentration remained unchanged. A positive correlation was found between the concentrations of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and DBP in these women. At the end of pregnancy, the total concentrations of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) (97+/-26 ng/liter, n = 40) and DBP (616+/-84 mg/liter) are both significantly higher than in nonpregnant females and paired cord serum samples (48+/-11 ng/liter and 266+/-41 mg/liter, respectively). A marked seasonal variation of 25-OHD(3) was observed in pregnant females and their infants, whereas in the same samples the concentrations of both DBP and 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) remained constant throughout the year. The free 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) index, calculated as the molar ratio of this steroid and DBP, remains normal in women taking estro-progestogens, however, and this might explain their normal intestinal calcium absorption despite a high total 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) concentration. In pregnancy the free 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) index remains normal up to 35 wk of gestation, but during the last weeks of gestation, the free 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) index increases in both circulations. A highly significant correlation exists between the (total and free) 25-OHD(3) and 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) concentrations in maternal and cord serum both at 35 and 40 wk of gestation.
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The influence of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) on Mg, Na, and water absorption was studied in the rat distal colon and caecum using an in vivo luminal perfusion technique. The effect of SCFA on K absorption by the distal colon and the effect of K on Mg absorption by the distal colon and caecum were also investigated. Butyrate (60 mmol/l) or a mixture of SCFA (60 mmol/l acetate, 20 mmol/l propionate, 10 mmol/l butyrate) stimulated Mg and K absorption by the distal colon, while Na and water absorption was not affected. The effect on Mg absorption was pH-dependent. In the caecum, butyrate enhanced Na and water absorption, but not Mg absorption. Acetate (60 mmol/l) did not influence electrolyte absorption by either intestinal segment. K (30 mmol/l) inhibited Mg absorption by the distal colon, but not by the caecum. It is concluded from these findings that SCFA deriving from fermentation of carbohydrates in the large intestine stimulate Mg, K, and Na absorption by delivering protons to Mg++/H+, K+/H+ and Na+/H+ exchangers located in the apical membrane of the epithelium. K seems to inhibit Mg absorption in the colon by affecting a mechanism which does not respond to SCFA.
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We investigated the effects of fructooligosaccharides on the absorption of calcium, magnesium and water from the colon and rectum of rats fed a control diet or the control diet containing 50 g fructooligosaccharides/kg. Chromium-mordanted cellulose was used as an unabsorbable marker to calculate apparent absorption of calcium and magnesium. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.982, P < 0.001 in rats fed the control diet and r = 0.975, P < 0.001 in rats fed the fructooligosaccharides-containing diet) between the amount of chromium and the dry weight of each fecal pellet in the colon and rectum. Ratios of calcium to chromium and magnesium to chromium in fecal pellets in the colon and rectum were calibrated from the Ca:Cr and Mg:Cr ratios of cecal contents. In rats fed the fructooligosaccharides-containing diet, but not in rats fed the control diet, these ratios were correlated with the fractional length of transit along the colon and rectum, indicating linear disappearance of calcium and magnesium during the colorectal passage. Total apparent absorption of calcium and magnesium, predicted from regression equations with the Ca:Cr and Mg:Cr ratios of cecal contents, agreed well with those calculated from the Ca:Cr and Mg:Cr ratios of feces. The consumption of fructooligosaccharides did not affect net water absorption from the colon and rectum. These results indicated that fructooligosaccharides significantly increased calcium and magnesium absorption and that indigestible and fermentable carbohydrate facilitates colorectal absorption of calcium and magnesium.
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This study is aimed at investigating the effect of feeding a soluble or partly soluble fibre rich-diet on the apparent absorption and balance of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in healthy young men, by using a chemical balance technique. Nine healthy young men were given a control diet or the same diet complemented with either inulin (soluble) or sugar beet fibre (partly soluble) during 28 d periods according to a 3 x 3 latin square design with three repetitions. During the 20 d adaptation period to fibre ingestion, experimental fibres were incorporated into bread (60%) and liquid foods (40%) up to a maximum of 40 g/d. Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn were measured in diets and in a 8 d urine and faecal composites to assess mineral absorption and balance. The dietary mineral intake provided (mg/d) 859 +/- 196 of Ca; 311 +/- 43 of Mg; 11.6 +/- 1.7 of Fe; and 11.1 +/- 1.6 of Zn from the control diet. The apparent absorption of minerals from the control diet was (%) Ca: 21.3 +/- 12.5; Mg: 46.3 +/- 10.9; Fe: 21.8 +/- 12.3 and Zn: 14.0 +/- 14.5 (mean +/- s.d.). Ingestion of inulin significantly increased the apparent absorption and the balance of Ca. Sugar beet fibre ingestion resulted in a significant increase in Ca intake and balance, without modification its apparent absorption. Apparent absorption and balance of Mg, Fe and Zn were not significantly altered by the ingestion of either experimental fibre. Addition of the two experimental fibres (inulin or sugar beet fibre) to normal mixed diets can improve Ca balance without adverse effects on other mineral retention. This project was supported by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods (programme Aliment #2002-Aliment Demain; No. 906335). The authors acknowledge the société Agro Industries, Recherche et Developpement (Mr R. De Baynast) who supplied them with the experimental fibres.
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The effect of inulin, fructooligosaccharides, and galactooligosaccharides on true intestinal absorption of iron and calcium was measured in men by using double stable-isotope techniques (oral 57Fe and 44Ca and intravenous 58Fe and 48Ca). The incorporation of iron isotopes into erythrocytes and the urinary excretion of calcium isotopes was measured with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Twelve healthy, nonanemic, male subjects aged 20-30 y received four treatments consisting of a constant basal diet supplemented with 15 g/d inulin, fructooligosaccharide, or galactooligosaccharide, or not supplemented (control treatment). These four treatments were given for 21 d each according to a randomized, crossover design. Iron absorption was measured over the last 7 d of treatment (days 15-21) and calcium absorption was measured on day 21 of each treatment period. Mean (+/- SEM) iron absorption was 5.5 +/- 1.6%, 6.1 +/- 1.9%, 5.3 +/- 1.9%, and 5.1 +/- 1.5%, respectively, during treatment with inulin, fructooligosaccharide, galactooligosaccharide, or the control; mean ( SEM) calcium absorption was 25.8 +/- 2.3%, 26.3 +/- 1.9%, 26.3 +/- 2.6%, and 28.1 +/- 4.3%, respectively. None of the differences between treatments was significant. It is concluded that 15 g/d inulin, fructooligosaccharide, or galactooligosaccharide did not have a negative effect on iron and calcium absorption in young healthy men.
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Nondigestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) have been found to stimulate absorption of several minerals and to improve mineralization of bone. Hence, these substances are potential ingredients for "functional foods." In addition to a nutritional effect, functional foods have physiologic and psychological benefits that result in improved health or reduced risk of chronic disease. Most of the scientific evidence for the functional effects of NDOs is based on animal experiments in which NDOs increased the availability of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. This stimulatory effect of some NDOs is assumed to be mainly due to their prebiotic character. A prebiotic is defined as a substrate or food ingredient that is nondigestible for the host but is fermented selectively by some of the intestinal microflora. Thus, it stimulates the growth and activity of bacteria with beneficial consequences for the host's health. Recently, these findings were confirmed in human studies for some NDOs. The effects seem to be specific for the type of carbohydrate and are likely related to the rate of fermentation by the intestinal flora and appear to depend on the ingested dose. Contradictory results of the effect of prebiotics in literature may be due to the experimental design because the effect of NDOs depends on the dose, the time of administration, the content of calcium in the diet, the part of the skeleton investigated, and the age of the subjects studied.
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Non-digestible oligosaccharides such as inulin and oligofructose have been shown to consistently increase calcium absorption in experimental animals, but data in humans are less clear-cut. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of 8 g/d of oligofructose or a mixture of inulin and oligofructose on calcium absorption in girls at or near menarche. A total of fifty-nine subjects were studied using a balanced, randomized, cross-over design. They received, in random order, 8 g/d placebo (sucrose), oligofructose or the mixture inulin+oligofructose for 3 weeks, separated by a 2-week washout period. Throughout the study, subjects consumed a total of approximately 1500 mg/d dietary calcium, by adding two glasses of calcium-fortified orange juice to their diet. Four grams of placebo, oligofructose or the mixture inulin+oligofructose was added to each glass of orange juice immediately before it was consumed. At the end of each 3-week adaptation period, calcium absorption was measured, using a dual stable isotope technique, from the cumulative fractional excretion of an oral and an intravenous tracer over 48 hours. Calcium absorption was significantly higher in the group receiving the inulin+oligofructose mixture than in the placebo group v. P=0.01), but no significant difference was seen between the oligofructose group and the placebo group v. P=NS). We conclude that modest intakes of an inulin+oligofructose mixture increases calcium absorption in girls at or near menarche.
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An enhancing effect of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOSs) on intestinal calcium absorption has been shown in animals and in some short-term human studies. However, the long-term effect of scFOSs on calcium absorption in humans is still unknown. We investigated the long-term effect of a moderate daily dose (10 g) of scFOSs on intestinal calcium absorption in postmenopausal women. In a randomized, double-blind crossover protocol, 12 healthy, postmenopausal women received scFOSs or placebo for 5 wk. The treatments were separated by a 3-wk washout period. Subjects orally received (44)Ca (stable isotope) and a fecal marker. Feces were collected after the isotope intake for 5-7 d to measure unabsorbed isotope. Calcium-status indexes, calciotropic hormones, and bone turnover were also assessed. Mean (+/-SD) intestinal calcium absorption with scFOS treatment was not significantly different from that with placebo treatment (35.63 +/- 9.40% and 36.55 +/- 8.48%, respectively). However, a tendency for calcium absorption to be higher with scFOS treatment than with placebo treatment was observed in women who had been going through menopause for >6 y. scFOSs do not modify intestinal calcium absorption in postmenopausal women who do not receive hormonal replacement therapy. The results from a subgroup of women who had been going through menopause for >6 y (n = 6) suggest that scFOSs may influence calcium absorption in the late postmenopausal phase. The small number of subjects and the related P value warrant verification and further investigation with women in late menopause only.
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Nondigestible carbohydrates (NDCHs) are fermented in the colon, where they can selectively promote the growth of bifidobacteria. Our aim was to determine the bifidogenic potential of different NDCHs used in human diets. Two hundred healthy volunteers participated in this double-blind study. During phase 1 (screening), 64 volunteers were randomly assigned to 8 groups of 8 subjects each; for 7 d, they ingested 10 g/d of 1 of the 7 NDCHs tested or of the placebo. During phase 2 (dose-response study), 136 volunteers were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 32 subjects who received 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10 g/d, respectively (8 subjects/dose), of one of the NDCHs that were proven to be bifidogenic during phase 1 and a fifth group of 8 subjects (control subjects) who received the placebo. Stools were recovered before and after NDCH consumption. In phase 1, 4 NDCHs were found to be bifidogenic: short-chain fructooligosaccharides (P=0.008), soybean oligosaccharides (P=0.006), galactooligosaccharides (P <0.0001), and type III resistant starch (P=0.02); lactulose, long-chain inulin, and isomaltooligosaccharides were not bifidogenic. In phase 2, the effects of 7-d treatment on bifidobacteria concentrations were found to differ significantly among the 4 NDCHs (P=0.009 for time x treatment interaction). However, no significant differences were found among doses, and there was no significant dose x time interaction. A low baseline bifidobacteria count was significantly associated with the bifidogenic response to treatment (P <0.001). This study showed the different bifidogenic properties among the substrates and underlined the importance of taking into account the baseline bifidobacteria counts when evaluating the effect of the treatment.
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Short-term studies in adolescents have generally shown an enhancement of calcium absorption by inulin-type fructans (prebiotics). Results have been inconsistent; however, and no studies have been conducted to determine whether this effect persists with long-term use. The objective was to assess the effects on calcium absorption and bone mineral accretion after 8 wk and 1 y of supplementation with an inulin-type fructan. Pubertal adolescents were randomly assigned to receive 8 g/d of a mixed short and long degree of polymerization inulin-type fructan product (fructan group) or maltodextrin placebo (control group). Bone mineral content and bone mineral density were measured before randomization and after 1 y. Calcium absorption was measured with the use of stable isotopes at baseline and 8 wk and 1 y after supplementation. Polymorphisms of the Fok1 vitamin D receptor gene were determined. Calcium absorption was significantly greater in the fructan group than in the control group at 8 wk (difference: 8.5 +/- 1.6%; P < 0.001) and at 1 y (difference: 5.9 +/- 2.8%; P = 0.04). An interaction with Fok1 genotype was present such that subjects with an ff genotype had the least initial response to fructan. After 1 y, the fructan group had a greater increment in both whole-body bone mineral content (difference: 35 +/- 16 g; P = 0.03) and whole-body bone mineral density (difference: 0.015 +/- 0.004 g/cm(2); P = 0.01) than did the control group. Daily consumption of a combination of prebiotic short- and long-chain inulin-type fructans significantly increases calcium absorption and enhances bone mineralization during pubertal growth. Effects of dietary factors on calcium absorption may be modulated by genetic factors, including specific vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms.
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The effect of fermentation on colonic absorption of Ca and Mg was investigated in 8-week-old rats adapted to diets containing either digestible wheat starch (DS diets) or including resistant starch, i.e. 350 g raw potato starch/kg (RS diets). The dietary Ca level of the DS and RS diets was 2·5 or 7·5 g/kg. RS diets resulted in enlargements of the caecum together with hypertrophy of the caecal wall. Acidification of the caecal contents by mictobial fermentation of RS was influenced by the dietary Ca level. Very acidic pH conditions and relatively low concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, in the presence of lactic acid fermentation, were observed with the 2·5 g Ca/kg level. Rats fed on RS diets had a bhigher pencentage of soluble Ca (and inorganic phosphate) in the caecum, particularly of rats adapted to the high Ca level. As a result of the hypertrophy of the caecal wall and of an elevated concentration of soluble Cas, the caecal absorption of Ca was 5-6 fold higher in the RS groups than in the DS groups. The difference between dietary intakle and faecal excretion (DI-FE) of Ca was higher in rats fed on RS diets than in those fed on DS diets, when the dietary Ca level was 2·5 g/kg. With the higher Ca intake the elevated rate of Ca absorption from the caecum in RS-fed rats was not paralleled by an enhanced DI-EE difference: this suggests a shift of the Ca absorption towards the large intestine. Feeding Rs diets also enhanced Mg caecal absorption, resulting in the substatntially higher DI-FE difference for Mg, especially with the 2·5 g Ca/kg diets, because a high Ca intake tends to inhibit Mg absorption. The present findings support the view that the large intestine may represent a major site of Ca (and Mg) absorption when acidic fermentations take place. This process could improve the digestive Ca balance when the dietary Ca supply is low; when the Ca supply is affluent, it rather shits Ca absorption towards a more distal site fo the digestive tract.
Article
Background: Short-term studies in adolescents have generally shown an enhancement of calcium absorption by inulin-type fructans (prebiotics). Results have been inconsistent; however, and no studies have been conducted to determine whether this effect persists with long-term use. Objective: The objective was to assess the effects on calcium absorption and bone mineral accretion after 8 wk and 1 y of supplementation with an inulin-type fructan. Design: Pubertal adolescents were randomly assigned to receive 8 g/d of a mixed short and long degree of polymerization inulin-type fructan product (fructan group) or maltodextrin placebo (control group). Bone mineral content and bone mineral density were measured before randomization and after 1 y. Calcium absorption was measured with the use of stable isotopes at baseline and 8 wk and 1 y after supplementation. Polymorphisms of the Fok1 vitamin D receptor gene were determined. Results: Calcium absorption was significantly greater in the fructan group than in the control group at 8 wk (difference: 8.5 ± 1.6%; P < 0.001) and at 1 y (difference: 5.9 ± 2.8%; P = 0.04). An interaction with Fok1 genotype was present such that subjects with an ff genotype had the least initial response to fructan. After 1 y, the fructan group had a greater increment in both whole-body bone mineral content (difference: 35 ± 16 g; P = 0.03) and whole-body bone mineral density (difference: 0.015 ± 0.004 g/cm²; P = 0.01) than did the control group. Conclusion: Daily consumption of a combination of prebiotic short- and long-chain inulin-type fructans significantly increases calcium absorption and enhances bone mineralization during pubertal growth. Effects of dietary factors on calcium absorption may be modulated by genetic factors, including specific vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms.
Chapter
Adolescence is a critical and complex phase in human development characterized by major biological, psychological, and social changes. Puberty marks the beginning of accelerated physical growth, alterations in body composition, and sexual maturation. The growth spurt in female adolescents contributes about 16% to adult height, 54% to adult weight, 73% to adult body fat content, 40% to adult lean body mass, and about 37% to the whole body calcium (Fig. 1). Similar changes are present in males. All individuals during this period of life should be in a strong positive nitrogen balance and balance of minerals required for body building. Those changes influence teenagers’ nutritional needs and status (Fig. 2). In addition, psychological changes involving the adolescent’s search for independence and identity, desire for acceptance by peers, and preoccupation with physical appearance may affect eating habits, food choices, nutrient intake, and particularly status of certain minerals of which calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) are the most important. During the last 20 years, the focus of nutrition research and recommendations for children has shifted from the prevention of nutritional deficiencies to the early establishment of recommended diets to prevent chronic diseases.These priorities may eventually lead to dietary guidelines for the prevention and treatment of those conditions by targeting predisposed individuals early in life (3).
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We have previously shown that consumption of modest amounts of Synergy1 (long-chain inulin enriched with oligofructose) significantly increases calcium absorption in girls. The objective of this study was to determine which subject characteristics are associated with this beneficial effect. Data from our original cohort of 29 girls were combined with those of an additional 25 newly recruited subjects. Calcium absorption was measured twice, in random order, after 3 weeks’ adaptation to either 8 g/d Synergy1 or placebo (sucrose), separated by a 2-week washout period, using a dual-tracer stable isotope method. Overall, Synergy1 significantly increased calcium absorption from 33.1% (SD 9.2%) to 36.1% (SD 9.8%, p = 0.027). The most consistent identifiable determinant of a beneficial effect of Synergy1 on calcium absorption was the fractional calcium absorption during the placebo period, with those individuals with lower calcium absorption during the placebo period showing the greatest benefit. Abbreviations: C, Caucasian; H, Hispanic; AA, African American.
Article
Fermentable carbohydrates have been shown to be nondigestible by human enzymes in the small intestine but are fermented extensively in the large bowel to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can increase mineral absorption. It has been shown that feeding such carbohydrates including short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOSs) increases intestinal magnesium (Mg) absorption in animals, but their beneficial impact on Mg absorption in humans still remains to be established. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the effect of moderate daily doses of sc-FOSs (10 g/day) on the intestinal absorption and status of Mg in postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Eleven healthy postmenopausal women aged 59 ± 6 years (mean ± SD) received for 5 weeks sc-FOS or sucrose (placebo) treatments according to a randomized, double-blind, crossover design separated by a washout period of at least 3 weeks. Subjects ingested 87.5 mg of stable isotope25Mg together with a fecal marker. Subsequently, feces were collected for 5–7 days. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP/MS) was used for25Mg stable isotope measurements in feces, urine, and blood. Mg levels were assessed also at the beginning and at the end of each treatment in plasma, erythrocytes, and urine. These measurements allowed for the determination of net intestinal Mg absorption and Mg status. The results show that the addition of 10 g sc-FOS to the diet increased Mg absorption by 12.3%, from 30.2 ± 5.0% (placebo treatment) to 33.9 ± 7.2% (sc-FOS treatment; mean ± SD; p < 0.02). This increase in intestinal Mg absorption was accompanied by an increase in plasma25Mg level and led to a higher urinary25Mg excretion. This is the first time that such an effect is shown in humans. The overall conclusion of this work is that the ingestion of moderate doses of sc-FOS did improve intestinal Mg absorption and status in postmenopausal women. Because of the important role of Mg in many cellular functions, such Mg absorption improvement may be particularly interesting when the dietary intake of Mg is limited.
Article
From April 1987-March 1988, the first Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS) was carried out among 2203 households comprising 5898 subjects, aged 1-85. In 1992 (January-December) the second DNFCS was conducted among 6218 subjects, aged 1-92 belonging to 2475 households. In both surveys, among other things, information on individual food intake was obtained using 2-day dietary records. Since changes over time are the most important topic of this study special attention is given to the methodological differences between the surveys. Because the food consumption methods used in both the surveys and the sampling frame were similar for both surveys there was a fair level of standardization of research methods and procedures. However, both surveys differ with regard to non-response, survey starting date, distribution of survey days over the week and the seasons, sample size, Dutch food composition data bank (NEVO) and coding arrangements. The random sample deviated from the Dutch population at large with respect to sex and age distribution. Because sex and age are major determinants of food consumption weighing factors were used in calculations not restricted to specific sex-age categories. The outcome of calculations correcting for variables other than sex and age hardly differed from those in which sex and age were the only variables adjusted for. Therefore, these additional variables were not included in the weighing factor. The results indicate that non-response bias is unlikely to have a strong effect on the survey outcome. In comparing intake figures from the two national surveys, special attention is given to those nutrients of which the mean intake differed most from the Dutch guidelines for a healthy diet or from the Dutch Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). The survey in 1987-88 indicated that overweight and obesity was prevalent among the Dutch population, especially among the elderly. The data of that survey suggested that protein intake may be too high for part of the population, especially the elderly. A high (saturated) fat intake was identified as a major nutritional risk in the Dutch diet. Other undesirable characteristics were a low intake of dietary fibre and a low percentage of energy derived from carbohydrates. In 1987-88 the largest difference (below 100%) between mean intake levels of micronutrients and the corresponding RDAs were observed for vitamin B6 (per gram of protein), iron (boys aged 1-3 and 13-18, women aged 1-3 and 10-49) and vitamin A (boys 10-12 years old, girls aged 7-12 and pregnant women). In 1992, the mean intake of energy was lower than 4-5 years before (9.3 vs 9.7 MJ/day), whereas no clear differences were observed regarding mean body weight and mean body mass index. There are no indications that the differences in average energy intake between both surveys can be attributed entirely or partly to differences in reporting behaviour (over- or under-reporting). The average contribution of fat (saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids) to energy intake was lower in 1992 (36.9 energy%) than it was in 1987-1988 (40.0 energy%), whereas in 1992 more energy was obtained from protein and carbohydrates (poly saccharides but not mono- and disaccharides). Both intake of dietary fibre and cholesterol were substantially lower in the second DNFCS. As to micronutrients, the mean intake of retinol equivalents was lower and the intake of thiamin and vitamin B6 was higher in 1992. The above described differences were seen in almost all sex-age groups. Differences in the results of the two surveys can be the result of four broad categories of causes, namely changes in socio-demographic characteristics, methodological differences, food choice and composition of food products. Of the differences observed a major part could be attributed to food choice changes. This indicates the importance of a regular monitoring of the food consumption. The classification into food groups was not identical for both surveys. Generally speaking, these differences will give rise to only minor apparent changes. With respect to the food groups 'fats and oils' and 'mixed dishes', however, differences between the two surveys should be interpreted with caution. Part of the differences result from the updating of the Dutch food composition data bank. Such an update reflects real changes as well as changes in the analytical method. In particular, the differences in the intake of dietary fibre and, to a lesser extent, of vitamin B6 and vitamin A are (partly) due to changes in the method used to analyse the amount in food products. In conclusion, the average Dutch diet still does not fulfil the criteria for a prudent diet and will most likely induce increased risk for some chronic diseases, whereas among some population groups a low intake was prevalent for iron and vitamin A. Marginal vitamin B6 intake is more general although the risk for marginal status is not as clear as in the first survey. Dietary intake among the Dutch population has changed substantially in the period 1987-92, whereas both positive and negative changes were observed regarding the criteria of a healthy diet.
Article
Bone metabolic homeostasis is regulated by a number of hormones and local modulators, and the study of these factors has been of major help in our understanding of bone disease. However, these parameters do not, in a strict sense reflect the metabolic and biochemical changes in the diseased bone tissue. Thus, there is a great interest in the study of biochemical specific "markers" of bone metabolic processes, namely of bone formation and bone resorption. Alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteonectin, and procollagen type I propeptides are the currently known markers of bone formation, whereas urinary hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine glycosides, plasma tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, and urinary hydroxy-pyridinium crosslinks of collagen are considered markers of bone resorption. In this paper, we review the background work on each of these markers, and subsequently give an overview of the currently available data on their usefulness in metabolic bone diseases, namely in Paget's disease of bone, primary hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, and renal osteodystrophy.
Article
Despite considerable research on magnesium (Mg) absorption there is still uncertainty regarding the site and mechanism of intestinal Mg transport. A careful review of the literature indicates that while Mg is absorbed throughout the intestine, the predominate site is the distal small intestine. There are three mechanisms by which Mg has been shown to cross the intestine:passive diffusion, solvent drag, and active transport. The importance of each of these mechanisms to total Mg absorption is discussed. Studies in both humans and experimental animals indicate that passive diffusion through the paracellular pathway accounts for the majority of Mg absorbed. Investigators have also consistently demonstrated the existence of a saturable component. Studies in everted gut sacs, however, have failed to demonstrate that Mg is actively transported against a concentration gradient in young or adolescent rats. Recent studies using the Ussing chamber have documented that Mg is actively transported in the descending colon.
Article
A method is described for the accurate isotopic determination of magnesium (24Mg, 25Mg, 26Mg) in biological materials, which is based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analytical performance of the method was examined with respect to the requirements of stable isotope tracer studies. When applied to the measurement of base-line isotope ratios (MRa/b) in rat tissue the following results were obtained (data are given in terms of MR25/24 and MR 26/24 ± 1RSD, n = 4 or 5): standard solution of Mg (0.05 μg ml-1),0.1394 ± 0.6,0.1697 ± 0.8; bone,0.1401 ± 0.5,0.1706 ± 0.8; brain,0.1404 ± 0.2,0.1720 ± 0.3; kidney, 0.1392 ± 0.5,0.1702 ± 0.6; liver, 0.1388 ± 0.4,0.1696 ± 0.5; muscle, 0.1396 ± 0.2,0.1716 ± 0.4; plasma, 0.1385 ± 0.3, 0.1691 ± 0.3; red cells, 0.1383 ± 0.1, 0.1694 ± 0.2; and urine, 0.1402 ± 0.1, 0.1721 ± 0.3. The measurement precision for replicate analyses of each matrix was in the range 0.1-1.0% and the mean value of the isotope ratio for different matrices agreed with the corresponding ratio for the standard solution to within 1.5%. When measured over a 10-h period, the isotope ratios appeared to be independent of the observed drifts in the ion beam intensities. The instrument blank contribution to the ion beam intensities was about 0.1% of the values obtained for a solution containing 0.05 μg ml-1 of natural Mg. The absolute detection limit for Mg (based on the experimental standard deviation of blanks run over 10 h) was <2 ng for all three stable isotopes. The ICP-MS phase of the analysis was capable of making 50-150 separate measurements of both ratios in a 10-h period, depending on the desired level of measurement precision within the range 0.1-1.0%. A complete analytical scheme for the accurate determination of the three stable isotopes of Mg, which is based on precipitation with ammonium phosphate, is described. The accuracy of the method was tested using the standard reference materials Bovine Liver (NBS 1577a, 600 ± 15 μg g-1 of Mg) and Animal Bone (IAEA H-5, 3550 ± 90 μg g -1). The proposed method provided the following data (μg g -1): SRM 1577a, 617 ± 4 and IAEA H-5, 3585 ± 16. For other biological matrices of interest, the accuracy of the method was compared with atomic absorption spectrometry. The complete analytical procedure, up to the point of mass spectrometric measurement, can be performed on about 20 samples per working day.
Article
The use of creatinine as a check on the completeness of 24-h urine collections is based on the assumption that excretion per kg body mass is constant. In a study of eight volunteers maintained on uniform diets the within-subject coefficient of variation (CV) in daily 24-h creatinine excretion was only 4 per cent under conditions in which the completeness of collections was assured. Cooked meat contains creatine and creatinine and an addition of 260 g/d cooked meat to the diet of four volunteers on a metabolic diet increased urine creatinine excretion by 23 per cent. A further source of variation in urine creatinine is the completeness of the collection itself. A new marker, PABA, was used to check the completeness of 24-h urine collections in eight subjects studied for 28 d whilst eating their normal diets. The within-subject CV of 9 per cent for 24-h creatinine excretion was not significantly different from that of 13 per cent for overall urinary N. In 122 complete 24-h urine specimens collected from a randomly selected population, the CV in creatinine excretion was 18 per cent. Twenty-one urine samples were incomplete, of which only 3 would have been detected on the basis of low creatinine by conventional standards. Of 39 hospital patients asked to collect 24-h urine samples, 12 provided incomplete samples, of which only 4 had low creatinine excretion. It is concluded that PABA is a more sensitive and reliable verification of the completeness of 24-h urine collections than creatinine.
Article
1. At the present time there is no method whereby the completeness of 24 h urine collections can be accurately assessed when clinical studies are undertaken. The suitability of 4-aminobenzoic acid (PAB) given with meals as a marker for completeness of urine collections was therefore investigated. 2. When a single dose of 80 mg of PAB was given to four volunteers 93% was recovered in the urine in 5 h. 3. Eight volunteers living in a calorimeter, where complete urine collection could be guaranteed, were given various doses of PAB divided up throughout the day. 88 ± 5% was excreted in the urine over a 24 h period. Urine excretion and oral dose were directly related. 4. Thirty-three reliable free-living volunteers eating their normal diet took 80 mg of PAB with meals (240 mg/day). Mean urine recovery over the 24 h period was 223 ± 9 mg, or 93 ± 4% of the administered dose. The range in individual recovery from maximum to minimum was 15%, compared with 75% for creatinine excretion per kg fat-free mass. 5. PAB is a safe marker of the completeness of 24 h urine collections. Any collection containing less than 205 out of 240 mg (85%) of PAB, given as 80 mg with each of three meals, is probably incomplete.
Article
We investigated the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FO)-feeding on the absorption of iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and on the biochemical parameters in Fe-deficient anemic rats. Fe-deficient anemic rats were made by feeding an Fe-deficient diet for 3 weeks. Then these Fe-deficient rats were fed an experimental diet that contained one of two levels of Fe (15 or 30 mg/kg diet), in the form of ferric pyrophosphate, and one of two levels of FO (0 or 50 g/kg diet) for 2 weeks. After the rats were fed these experimental diets, FO-feeding increased the hematocrit ratio, the concentration of hemoglobin and the hemoglobin regeneration efficiency during the first week. Also, the apparent absorption of Fe was increased by FO-feeding. The levels of Fe in the diet did not affect the absorption of Ca and Mg. However, FO-feeding increased the absorption of Ca and Mg. FO-feeding lowered the pH and raised the solubility of Fe, Ca and Mg in the cecal contents, suggesting that those increasing effects of FO-feeding on absorption of these minerals is correlated with fermentation of FO in the large intestine, namely, the cecum and colon. We concluded that FO-feeding improved recovery from anemia and increased the absorption of Fe, Ca and Mg in Fe-deficient anemic rats.
Article
There is limited information relating Ca intake to bone and height acquisition among Oriental children who consume little or even no milk. The present controlled study investigated the acquisition of bone mass and height of Chinese children with an initial Ca intake of approximately 567 mg/d who were supplemented to about 800 mg/d. Eighty-four 7-year-old Hong Kong Chinese children underwent an 18-month randomized, double-blind, controlled Ca-supplementation trial. The children were randomized to receive either 300 mg elemental Ca or a placebo tablet daily. Bone mass of the distal one-third radius was measured by single-photon absorptiometry, lumbar spine and femoral neck were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Measurements were repeated 6-monthly. Baseline serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration and physical activity were also assessed. Baseline Ca intakes of the study group and controls were respectively 571 (SD 326) and 563 (SD 337) mg/d. There were no significant differences in baseline serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration (P = 0.71) and physical activity (P = 0.36) between the study and control groups. After 18 months the study group had significantly greater increases in lumbar-spinal bone mineral content (20.9 v. 16.34%; P = 0.035), lumbar-spinal area (11.16 v. 8.71%; P = 0.049), and a moderately greater increment in areal bone mineral density of the radius (7.74 v. 6.00%; P = 0.081) when compared with the controls. The results confirm a positive effect of Ca on bone mass of the spine and radius but no effects on femoral-neck and height increase. A longer trial is warranted to confirm a positive Ca effect during childhood that may modify future peak bone mass.
Article
In the present study, we have assessed the apparent retention of gross energy, nitrogen and Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu in rats receiving a diet supplemented with fermentable fructo-oligosaccharides with high and low degree of polymerization. Feeding 10% Raftilose (degree of polymerization: 4.8) or 10% Raftiline (degree of polymerization: 10) decreased to the same extent (a) the fecal excretion of all the minerals, despite an increase in total fecal mass excretion leading to an improvement of the absorption of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn; (b) total gross energy absorption; and (c) led to an increase in the faecal excretion and to a decreased urinary excretion of nitrogen, suggesting a displacement of part of nitrogen excretion towards the large intestine. Feeding fermentable fructo-oligosaccharides may thus constitute a good way to counteract syndromes resulting from hyperammonemia or disturbed Fe, Ca, Mg and Zn homeostasis.
Article
The effects of galactooligosaccharides (GOS), a mixture of galactosyl oligosaccharides formed from lactose by the transgalactosyl reaction of beta-D-galactosidase derived from Bacillus circulans, on calcium absorption and prevention of bone loss were examined in ovariectomized (OVX) Wistar rats. Rats fed on a diet containing GOS absorbed calcium more efficiently than those on the control diet after 8-10 days and 18-20 days, and the bone (femur and tibia) ash weight and tibia calcium content of OVX rats fed on the GOS diet were significantly higher than those of the control animals. Although the serum total cholesterol of the ovariectomized rats was significantly elevated, GOS produced a significant hypocholesterolemic effect in the OVX rats. GOS, which is fermented by bacteria in the lower part of the intestine, enhanced volatile fatty acid production, and thus prevented bone loss and lower serum total cholesterol concentration in the ovariectomized rats.
Article
Magnesium (Mg) is an essential dietary element that plays important roles, acting as a cofactor of many enzymes. Rats fed a Mg-deficient diet have been reported to exhibit auricular and facial peripheral hyperemia and hemorrhage. Moreover, increased intake of calcium (Ca) or phosphorus (P) has been reported to impair apparent absorption of Mg. We tried to induce such typical inflammation in Mg-deficient rats by feeding low-Mg, high-Ca, and high-P diets. Increasing concentrations of Ca or P in the experimental diets significantly decreased the apparent absorption of Mg. And all rats fed the low-Mg (0.25 mg/g diet), high-Ca (10.4 mg/g diet), and high-P (12.0 mg/g diet) diet exhibited auricular and facial peripheral-hyperemia and hemorrhage. Then, we used the low-Mg, high-Ca, and high-P diet to investigate the effects of the fructooligosaccharides (FO) on absorption of Mg and skin inflammation. In the rats fed FO-containing (1 or 5%) diet, apparent absorption of Mg was significantly increased as compared with that of the control (FO 0%) group. In the rats fed a 5% FO-containing diet and sufficient Mg (0.50 mg/g), auricular and facial peripheral hyperemia and hemorrhage were significantly reduced. We concluded that FO increased the Mg absorption in rats fed a low-Mg, high-Ca, and high-P diet. Moreover, FO reduced inflammation in Mg-deficient rats, such as peripheral hyperemia and hemorrhage.
Article
Available data on the mechanism of Mg absorption is mainly descriptive in nature. There is data to support the existence of both gradient-driven and saturable Mg absorption. It is not clear, however, which process predominates under normal conditions. Evidence for a saturable process is based on a curvilinear relationship between dietary or luminal [Mg] and Mg uptake. Whether this is due to a carrier-mediated mechanism or due to alterations in absorption through the paracellular route remains to be determined. A careful review of the literature indicates that the predominate site of Mg absorption is the distal small intestine. Most of these studies, however, have been done in isolated segments which may not adequately reflect absorption in an undisturbed gastrointestinal tract. Future work will need to focus on identifying and characterizing Mg transport at the cellular and paracellular level as well as developing more sophisticated strategies for examining Mg absorption in the whole animal.
Article
The influence of Ca on the fermentation of dietary oligosaccharides in the large intestine has been investigated in four groups of rats fed different semipurified diets: 1) fiber free, 3 g Ca/kg; 2) fiber free, 8 g Ca/kg; 3) 15% inulin, 3 g Ca/kg; or 4) 15% inulin, 8 g Ca/kg. The cecal fermentations were very low in rats fed the fiber-free diets and were not affected by the dietary Ca level. Rats fed the inulin diets had enlarged cecum with acidic fermentations, relatively rich in propionic acid. In this diet group rats adapted to the 3 g Ca/kg level had very acidic fermentations and depressed volatile fatty acid concentrations together with an accumulation of lactic acid (L and D isomers). Inulin diets brought about a rise in the crypt column height and in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase in cecal mucosa, especially in the 3 g Ca/kg diet group. There was considerable accumulation of insoluble Ca and Pi in the cecum of rats fed high-Ca diets. Inulin feeding increased the percentage of soluble Ca and Pi; Ca absorption from the cecum was also markedly higher in rats fed inulin and was influenced by the dietary Ca level. The concentrations of soluble bile acids were depressed in rats fed inulin diets, which enhanced the fecal excretion of bile acids. These effects were poorly altered by changes in the dietary Ca level. In vitro it appears that CaPi is effective in decreasing the solubility of bile salts, chiefly in acidic conditions. In conclusion there is in the large intestine a system of control of luminal pH, which involves the presence of insoluble Ca and Pi.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Article
The effect of fermentation on colonic absorption of Ca and Mg was investigated in 8-week-old rats adapted to diets containing either digestible wheat starch (DS diets) or including resistant starch, i.e. 350 g raw potato starch/kg (RS diets). The dietary Ca level of the DS and RS diets was 2.5 or 7.5 g/kg. RS diets resulted in enlargements of the caecum together with hypertrophy of the caecal wall. Acidification of the caecal contents by microbial fermentation of RS was influenced by the dietary Ca level. Very acidic pH conditions and relatively low concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, in the presence of lactic acid fermentation, were observed with the 2.5 g Ca/kg level. Rats fed on RS diets had a higher percentage of soluble Ca (and inorganic phosphate) in the caecum, particularly of rats adapted to the high Ca level. As a result of the hypertrophy of the caecal wall and of an elevated concentration of soluble Ca, the caecal absorption of Ca was 5-6-fold higher in the RS groups than in the DS groups. The difference between dietary intake and faecal excretion (DI-FE) of Ca was higher in rats fed on RS diets than in those fed on DS diets, when the dietary Ca level was 2.5 g/kg. With the higher Ca intake the elevated rate of Ca absorption from the caecum in RS-fed rats was not paralleled by an enhanced DI-EE difference: this suggests a shift of the Ca absorption towards the large intestine. Feeding RS diets also enhanced Mg caecal absorption, resulting in a substantially higher DI-FE difference for Mg, especially with the 2.5 g Ca/kg diets, because a high Ca intake tends to inhibit Mg absorption. The present findings support the view that the large intestine may represent a major site of Ca (and Mg) absorption when acidic fermentations take place. This process could improve the digestive Ca balance when the dietary Ca supply is low; when the Ca supply is affluent, it rather shifts Ca absorption towards a more distal site of the digestive tract.
Article
Previously, we confirmed that dietary fructooligosaccharides (FOS) increase calcium absorption in rats. In this study, we examined the influence of FOS feeding on the concentration of calbindin-D9k of several intestinal segments in rats. Rats in the control group were fed a diet without FOS. Rats in the other two groups were fed the diet containing FOS at either 50 or 100 g/kg for 10 d and subjected to a calcium absorption study. On the final day of feeding, the rats were killed and the entire intestine was removed. The intestinal mucosa was collected from four segments, i.e., the proximal and distal segments of the small intestine, the cecum and the colorectum, respectively. The apparent absorption of calcium increased dose dependently (r = 0.9256, P < 0.0001). Significant positive correlations between apparent calcium absorption and the relative amounts of calbindin in both large intestinal segments were observed (cecum, r = 0.8956, P = 0.0011; colorectum, r = 0.8828, P = 0.0016). Also, significant negative correlations between apparent calcium absorption and the relative amounts of calbindin-D9k in both small intestinal segments were observed (proximal, r = -0.7149, P = 0. 0304; distal, r = -0.8740, P = 0.0021). In conclusion, FOS feeding increases levels of calbindin-D9k in the large intestine, but decreases those in the small intestine. Moreover, these results suggest that part of the stimulatory effect of fructooligosaccharides relates to the transcellular route of calcium absorption in the large intestine of rats.
Article
To provide methodological information regarding the absorption and excretion of dietary magnesium by children and adolescents. Recently, stable isotope techniques for assessing magnesium absorption and excretion have been developed which allow for these studies to be safely performed in subjects of all ages. In the report, we describe the dosing and sample requirements for such studies. Our data demonstrate that, after oral and intravenous dosing of isotopes, a complete 72-hour urine collection will allow for determination of fractional magnesium absorption. In our study, urinary, but not endogenous fecal magnesium excretion, was closely correlated with magnesium intake (r = 0.47, p = 0.02 vs r = 0.08, p = 0.69). As endogenous fecal magnesium excretion is small relative to urinary magnesium excretion, measurement of endogenous fecal magnesium excretion is not needed to make a reasonable estimate of net magnesium retention for most studies. Using high-precision analytical techniques, an intravenous dose of 25Mg of approximately 0.2 to 0.3 mg/kg would be adequate for absorption measurements. The cost and availability of isotopes and their analysis are such that it should be feasible for increasing numbers of investigators to make use of these techniques.
Article
In rats, nondigestible oligosaccharides stimulate calcium absorption. Recently, this effect was also found in human subjects. The objective of the study was to investigate whether consumption of 15 g oligofructose/d stimulates calcium absorption in male adolescents. Twelve healthy, male adolescents aged 14-16 y received, for 9 d, 15 g oligofructose or sucrose (control treatment) daily over 3 main meals. The treatments were given according to a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, separated by a 19-d washout period. On the 8th day of each treatment period, 44Ca was given orally with a standard breakfast containing approximately 200 mg Ca. Within half an hour after administration of 44Ca, 48Ca was administered intravenously. Fractional calcium absorption was computed from the enrichment of 44Ca:43Ca and 48Ca:43Ca in 36-h urine samples, which was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. An increase in true fractional calcium absorption (%) was found after consumption of oligofructose (mean difference +/- SE of difference: 10.8+/-5.6; P < 0.05, one sided). The results are discussed in relation to the methods used. Fifteen grams of oligofructose per day stimulates fractional calcium absorption in male adolescents.
Article
Animal studies have indicated that calcium absorption is increased by lactulose, a synthetic disaccharide. Therefore, the influence of lactulose on calcium absorption was measured in postmenopausal women who may benefit from the possible enhancing effect of lactulose on calcium absorption. Twelve postmenopausal women drank 100 ml of water containing 5 or 10 g of lactulose or a reference substance at breakfast for 9 days. The three treatments were given according to a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, separated by two 19-day wash-out periods. On the 8th day of each treatment period, 44Ca dissolved in orange juice was drunk immediately after the solution with the study substance and just before a standard breakfast with 162 mg of carrier calcium. Within half an hour, 48Ca was given intravenously. Based on isotope ratios measured in urine collected before and until 36 h after isotope administration, true fractional calcium absorption was calculated. Calcium absorption during the treatments with the reference substance, 5 g and 10 g of lactulose was (mean +/- SD) 27.7 +/- 7.7, 30.0 +/- 7.6, and 32.2 +/- 7.0, respectively. A significant difference in calcium absorption was found between the highest dose of lactulose and the reference treatment (p < 0.01). A significant linear trend was found between the dose of lactulose and its positive effect on calcium absorption. In conclusion, in postmenopausal women a 9-day consumption of lactulose increases calcium absorption in a dose-response way. More research is warranted to explore how lactulose stimulates calcium absorption and whether it is able to improve calcium balance and/or to attenuate the rate of aging bone loss.