Effect of fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation in soya beverage on the intestinal absorption of calcium and iron in newly weaned rats.

Studies have shown the positive effects of prebiotics on the intestinal absorption of Ca and Fe. The present study evaluated the effect of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation in soya beverage (SB) on absorption mechanisms of Ca and Fe in recently weaned rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: lactose-free cows' milk (CM), lactose-free CM with FOS (0·8 g/100 ml) (CMF), SB and soya beverage with FOS (0·8 g/100 ml) (SBF). These rats were euthanised after 1 week of treatment. Organ weight, pH of the caecal content and absorption mechanisms of Ca and Fe were evaluated. The results showed that the weight of the caecal contents increased in the CMF and SBF groups, and the pH of the caecal contents was lower in these groups. The Hb levels of the CMF and SB groups were higher when compared with that of the CM group and lower in relation to the SBF group. The apparent Ca and Fe absorption and apparent Ca retention in the CM group were higher when compared with the SB group, whereas in the CMF group, they were higher in relation to the SBF group. Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) protein expression in the duodenum was higher in the SBF group than in the SB and CMF groups. SB resulted in lower intestinal Ca absorption and higher Hb concentration, despite the lower apparent Fe absorption in relation to CM. Supplementation with FOS provided beneficial effects on Hb and DMT1 protein expression in the duodenum, in addition to improving the absorption process.