Protective effects of dietary lactulose and calcium phosphate against Salmonella infection.

BACKGROUND

Protection against intestinal infections by lactulose fermentation might be enhanced by calcium phosphate, due to the increased buffering capacity and/or inhibition of the cytotoxicity of luminal contents.

METHODS

SPF rats were fed a low-calcium control diet, a low-calcium/lactulose diet or a high-calcium/lactulose diet and orally infected with Salmonella enteritidis. Faeces and urine were sampled for microbiological and chemical analyses.

RESULTS

The lactulose-fed rats had a better colonization resistance. Translocation was reduced by dietary calcium, whereas lactulose was ineffective. In addition, calcium supplementation stimulated lactulose fermentation, reversed the lactulose-induced increase in cytotoxicity of faecal water and normalized growth and faecal consistency.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of dietary lactulose and calcium phosphate is protective against Salmonella infection.