Ingestion of difructose anhydride III enhances absorption and retention of calcium in healthy men.

We examined the effects of a nondigestible disaccharide difructose anhydride III (DFAIII) on calcium absorption and retention by means of a human balance study of single-blind crossover design. Twelve healthy male subjects ingested 250 mg of shell powder as calcium carbonate (corresponding to 100 mg of calcium) with or without 1.0 g DFAIII three times a day for 13 d. In the last 4 d as a balance period, all urine and feces were collected and evaluated for calcium excretion. The apparent calcium absorption (mg/d) and rate of absorption (%) were higher, and those of retention were much higher, in the DFAIII group than in the control group. Furthermore, serum osteocalcin increased after the experimental period in the DFAIII group but not in the control group. These results indicate that DFAIII ingestion enhances intestinal calcium absorption, which might be beneficial for bone metabolism.