Oligofructose stimulates calcium absorption in adolescents

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.