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Abnormal passive chloride absorption in cystic fibrosis jejunum functionally opposes the classic chloride secretory defect.

Due to genetic defects in apical membrane chloride channels, the cystic fibrosis (CF) intestine does not secrete chloride normally. Depressed chloride secretion leaves CF intestinal absorptive processes unopposed, which results in net fluid hyperabsorption, dehydration of intestinal contents, and a propensity to inspissated intestinal obstruction. This theory is based primarily on in vitro studies of jejunal mucosa. To determine if CF patients actually hyperabsorb fluid in vivo, we measured electrolyte and water absorption during steady-state perfusion of the jejunum. As expected, chloride secretion was abnormally low in CF, but surprisingly, there was no net hyperabsorption of sodium or water during perfusion of a balanced electrolyte solution. This suggested that fluid absorption processes are reduced in CF jejunum, and further studies revealed that this was due to a marked depression of passive chloride absorption. Although Na+-glucose cotransport was normal in the CF jejunum, absence of passive chloride absorption completely blocked glucose-stimulated net sodium absorption and reduced glucose-stimulated water absorption 66%. This chloride absorptive abnormality acts in physiological opposition to the classic chloride secretory defect in the CF intestine. By increasing the fluidity of intraluminal contents, absence of passive chloride absorption may reduce the incidence and severity of intestinal disease in patients with CF.

Adult↗

Intestinal absorption of immunologically intact macromolecules in germfree colostrum-deprived piglets maintained on total parenteral nutrition.

We have compared the neonatal absorption of anti-bovine gamma-globulin (BGG) antibody supplied in colostrum or saline in three groups of piglets born and maintained under different environmental conditions to determine the effect of these conditions on the cessation of intestinal absorption of macromolecules (anti-BGG antibody), termed "closure." An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate the concentration of anti-BGG antibody in sera from each group of piglets. Three stages of macromolecular absorption through the piglet's intestine could be detected. The first stage is a nonselective massive absorption of macromolecules (in milligram levels) that lasts up to 3 days in germfree (GF) colostrum-deprived or conventional colostrum-fed piglets but up to 5 days in GF piglets maintained on total parenteral nutrition. In this stage, absorption was significantly (r = .05) higher in piglets fed anti-BGG serum with colostrum than in piglets fed anti-BGG serum without colostrum on GF day 0 (31.28% vs 15.59%) and GF-total parenteral nutrition day 3 (3.08% vs 0.11%). Thus, whenever there was the ability to absorb a massive amount of macromolecules, the sow colostrum had an enhancing affect. Although there was a minor effect of environmental or orally received stimuli in delaying closure, absorption of macromolecules decreased in all piglets maintained either parenterally or enterally after day 3. Thus, intestinal closure to massive absorption of macromolecules in piglets is primarily time (age)-dependent. The second stage is a selective absorption of immunoglobulins in much smaller quantities (microgram levels), inasmuch as absorption of 0.02% to 0.1% was determined in all 5-day-old piglets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Intraduodenal infusion of lysophosphatidylcholine restores the intestinal absorption of vitamins A and E in rats fed a low-zinc diet.

Our previous work has shown that the lymphatic absorptions of lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins, retinol and alpha-tocopherol (alphaTP), are lowered markedly in rats fed a low-zinc (LZ) diet in parallel with lower lymphatic phospholipid outputs. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), when infused enterally, restored the absorptions of fat and retinol, but further lowered the absorption of alphaTP in rats fed the LZ diet. This study was conducted to determine whether a luminal infusion of lysophosphatidylcholine, a product of PC hydrolysis by pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2), would simultaneously restore the absorptions of retinol and alphaTP in LZ rats. Rats were trained to consume two meals per day and were divided into two groups. One group was fed an AIN-93G diet containing a LZ (3.0 mg Zn/kg), and the other was fed the same diet, but containing adequate zinc (AZ; 30.0 mg Zn/kg) for 6 weeks. Rats with lymph cannula were infused at 3.0 ml/hr for 8 hr with a lipid emulsion containing retinol, alphaTP, and 14C-labeled triolein (14C-oleic acid) with or without 1-oleoyl-2-hydroxy phosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) in 24 ml of PBS (pH 6.5). When the lipid emulsion without lysoPC was infused, the absorptions of retinol and alphaTP were significantly lower in LZ rats (retinol, 13.2+/-1.5 nmol; alphaTP, 430.6+/-66.8 nmol) than in AZ rats (retinol, 18.2+/-1.0 nmol; alphaTP, 543.8+/-58.9 nmol). The lower absorptions of the vitamins in LZ rats occurred in parallel with a significant decrease in 14C-oleic acid absorption. When the emulsion containing lysoPC was infused, however, absorptions of the vitamins (retinol, 18.4+/-3.0 nmol; alphaTP, 777.2+/-92.1 nmol) in LZ rats were restored completely to the control levels (retinol, 20.4+/-2.8 nmol; alphaTP, 756.3+/-136.1 nmol). The results suggest that the luminal hydrolysis of PC to lysoPC by PLA2 may be impaired in LZ rats, resulting in impaired absorption of fat and the fat-soluble vitamins.

Animals↗

Dietary inulin intake and age can significantly affect intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium in rats: a stable isotope approach.

BACKGROUND: previous studies have shown that non-digestible inulin-type fructan intake can increase intestinal mineral absorption in both humans and animals. However, this stimulatory effect on intestinal absorption may depend on experimental conditions such as duration of fermentable fiber intake, mineral diet levels and animals' physiological status, in particular their age. OBJECTIVES: the aim of this study was to determine the effect of inulin intake on Ca and Mg absorption in rats at different age stages. METHODS: eighty male Wistar rats of four different ages (2, 5, 10 and 20 months) were randomized into either a control group or a group receiving 3.75% inulin in their diet for 4 days and then 7.5% inulin for three weeks. The animals were fed fresh food and water ad libitum for the duration of the experiment. Intestinal absorption of Ca and Mg was determined by fecal monitoring using stable isotopic tracers. Ca and Mg status was also assessed. RESULTS: absorption of Ca and Mg was significantly lower in the aged rats (10 and 20 mo) than in the young and adult rat groups. As expected, inulin intake increased Ca and Mg absorption in all four rat groups. However, inulin had a numerically greater effect on Ca absorption in aged rats than in younger rats whereas its effect on Mg absorption remained similar across all four rat age groups. CONCLUSION: the extent of the stimulatory effect of inulin on absorption of Ca may differ according to animal ages. Further studies are required to explore this effect over longer inulin intake periods, and to confirm these results in humans.

Aging↗

Role of metallothionein and cysteine-rich intestinal protein in the regulation of zinc absorption by diabetic rats.

Hyperzincuria and low Zn absorption in diabetic animals and humans have prompted speculation that diabetics are more susceptible to Zn deficiency. There is little information, however, describing the effects of diabetes on the biochemical mechanisms of intestinal Zn transport. We evaluated Zn absorption in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats based on a model of Zn transport in which cysteine-rich intestinal protein serves as an intracellular carrier that is inhibited by metallothionein (MT). Apparent absorption and retention of Zn and Cu in rats fed a purified diet were measured in a balance study 15-17 d after induction of diabetes. The rate of 65Zn absorption from isolated intestinal segments, molecular distribution of 65Zn in mucosal cytosol, and tissue MT levels were measured on d 20-22. Food consumption, and thus Zn and Cu intake, by diabetic rats was twice that of controls. Although fractional absorption (percent) of Zn and Cu was lower in the diabetic rats, net absorption (micrograms/100 g body weight/d) was higher. The higher net absorption in the diabetic group was offset, however, by higher urinary excretion, so that Zn and Cu retention was similar in both groups of animals. Low fractional absorption is attributable to the down-regulation of intestinal Zn transport, as indicated by the lower rate of 65Zn absorption from isolated intestinal segments in the diabetic rats. Down-regulation of intestinal transport is in turn attributable to higher concentrations of intestinal MT, which resulted in more 65Zn in the mucosal cytosol bound to MT, an inhibitor of Zn transport, and less to cysteine-rich intestinal protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effect of carbohydrates on calcium absorption in premature infants.

Premature infants are susceptible to disease related to deficient dietary calcium intake. Studies in adults suggest carbohydrates can enhance calcium absorption. However, little is known about how carbohydrates affect calcium absorption in premature infants due to a lack of direct in vivo studies. We adapted the triple lumen perfusion method for use in premature infants to compare calcium absorption 36 mmol/L (1.44 g/L) in the absence and presence of either 70 g/L lactose or glucose polymers. 44Ca was added to determine endogenous calcium losses. Fourteen infants were studied (gestational age: 31 +/- 0.4 wk; study weight: 1590 +/- 105 g; mean +/- SEM). Calcium absorption from the glucose polymer solution was greater than that from the control and lactose solutions (0.17 +/- 0.05 mumol.min-1.cm-1 versus 0.04 +/- 0.04 and 0.008 +/- 0.045 mumol.min-1.cm-1, respectively). Calcium absorption correlated positively with water and carbohydrate absorption. The rate of carbohydrate absorption was greater from the glucose polymers than from the lactose solution (0.40 +/- 0.10 mg.min-1.cm-1 versus 0.22 +/- 0.06, respectively). Based upon 44Ca absorption, endogenous calcium loss appeared to account for less than 1% of total calcium flux. We conclude that glucose polymers, but not lactose, enhance calcium absorption in the premature infant, a fact that may be useful in formula design.

Calcium, Dietary↗

Absorption of calcium, zinc, and iron from breast milk by five- to seven-month-old infants.

Data are scarce regarding mineral bioavailability from human milk in older infants who may also be receiving solid foods (beikost). We measured the absorption of Ca, Zn, and Fe in 14 healthy, nonanemic 5-7-mo-old breast-fed infants whose mothers milk was extrinsically labeled with stable isotopes (44Ca, 70Zn, and 58Fe) of these minerals. In addition, Ca and Zn stable isotopes (46Ca and 67Zn) were administered i.v., and a second isotope of Fe (57Fe) was given orally without food as a non-meal dose. Subjects were not receiving any artificial infant formula or cow's milk, but most (10/14) were receiving beikost. Ca and Zn absorption was calculated using the urinary excretion of the isotopes during the 24 h after dosing (Ca) or their urinary ratio 72 h after dosing (Zn). Fe absorption was calculated using the red blood cell incorporation at 14 d. Fe absorption averaged 20.7 +/- 14.8% from the 58Fe given with human milk (geometric mean, 14.8%) and 17.7 +/- 15.1% (geometric mean, 11.0%) from the 57Fe non-meal dose. Ca absorption averaged 61.3 +/- 22.7% and Zn absorption (n = 10) averaged 49.5 +/- 18.5%. Absorption of Fe (natural logarithm) from the non-meal Fe dose (57Fe) but not from the human milk (58Fe) was significantly negatively correlated to serum ferritin (r = -0.70, p = 0.007 versus r = -0.35, p = 0.24). At the intake levels in this study, total daily Fe, Ca, and Zn intakes from beikost were not significantly correlated to their fractional absorption from breast milk, but Fe intake from beikost was significantly negatively correlated to absorption of Fe from the non-meal dose (r = -0.61, p = 0.021). We conclude that minerals are well absorbed from human milk in older infants after the introduction of beikost to the diet.

Calcium↗

Intestinal absorption of cholesterol by patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a disorder of impaired cholesterol biosynthesis because of a deficiency of the enzyme 7-dehydrocholesterol-Delta(7)-reductase, in the last step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Dietary cholesterol has been proposed as a potential therapy for SLOS and is being tested currently. Because there is no information on cholesterol absorption in SLOS, we recruited 12 SLOS patients into the General Clinical Research Center for 1-wk periods for administration of test meals and for blood and stool collections. A test breakfast that contained tracer cholesterol-4-C(14) with egg yolk or with crystalline cholesterol in suspension was given subsequently. Twenty-four and 48-h blood and 1-wk stool samples then were collected. The radioactivities in these samples were analyzed to determine the absorption of cholesterol by these patients. In 11 patients who were given egg yolk cholesterol, cholesterol absorption was 27.3 +/- 6.7%. The absorption was slightly less at 20.5 +/- 10.3% but not significantly different for the six patients who were given crystalline cholesterol. There was a positive correlation between the absorption of isotopic cholesterol as measured by determination of radioactive cholesterol in stool and the amount of isotopic cholesterol in the plasma at 24 and 48 h after the meal. Our data indicated that SLOS patients absorb cholesterol from the diet. However, the percentage of absorption is lower than reported values for normal adults and for hypercholesterolemic children. The absorption of crystalline cholesterol in suspension was slightly lower than the absorption of cholesterol in egg yolk cholesterol by these patients. The absorption of cholesterol may ameliorate some of the biochemical and developmental deficits in SLOS patients.

Adolescent↗

Retarded growth rate caused by glucocorticoid treatment or dietary restriction: associated changes duodenal, jejunal, and ileal calcium absorption in the chick.

Calcium (Ca) absorption is reportedly stimulated in the ileum of glucocorticoid-treated rats. Our study was designed to investigate this phenomenon in the chick; to determine to what extent any stimulation might compensate for inhibition of Ca absorption in the duodenum; and to compare any changes seen with those caused by growth retardation induced by dietary restriction alone. We assessed CA absorption from different sites in the intestine of chicks treated with betamethasone (BM; 25 micrograms/kg . day for 14 days), or diet-restricted to permit growth at the same rate as those treated with BM, using the ligated loop technique in vivo. There was a similar significant inhibition of Ca absorption in both BM-treated and diet-restricted chicks in both duodenum (to 73% and 67% of the control level, respectively) and jejunum (to 74% and 77% of the control level, respectively). Absorption of Ca from the ileum of BM-treated birds equaled that in controls, but diet-restricted chicks unexpectedly showed a 100% stimulation. We conclude that in the chick, BM treatment does not stimulate ileal calcium absorption, but diet-restriction does. The lack of effect of bM in the ileum may reduce the magnitude of the decrease in Ca absorption from the entire small intestine when compared to the duodenum and jejunum alone, but the stimulated absorption seen in the ileum of diet-restricted birds is almost sufficient to restore Ca absorption from the entire small intestine to the control level.

Aging↗

Angiotensin II mediates increased small intestinal fluid absorption with extracellular volume depletion in the rat.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the increase in small intestinal fluid absorption observed after extracellular fluid (ECF) reduction is mediated by angiotensin II (AII). Infusion of AII at doses that increase plasma levels of the hormone within the physiological range stimulates jejunal fluid absorption. In contrast, at pharmacological doses that result in plasma AII levels unlikely to be encountered normally, the hormone inhibits absorption and/or stimulates jejunal secretion. The AII stimulation of jejunal fluid absorption is potentiated by nephrectomy, suggesting that the endogenous levels of AII are related to and have an important role in regulation of the cellular level of its own receptors. Extracellular volume reduction as a result of sodium depletion, nonhypotensive hemorrhage, or water deprivation increases jejunal fluid absorption 30-40% above control values. This increase in jejunal absorption after ECF reduction is not affected by adrenalectomy, but is abolished by nephrectomy, either alone or in combination with adrenalectomy. Captopril, prazosin, and peripheral sympathectomy also abolish the increase in jejunal absorption following ECF depletion. It is suggested that AII is generated after ECF reduction and increases jejunal fluid absorption by facilitating the release of norepinephrine from enteric sympathetic nerves. Thus, AII is a physiologically important mediator of jejunal fluid absorption.

Adrenalectomy↗

Height and height Z-score are related to calcium absorption in five- to fifteen-year-old girls.

CONTEXT: Understanding the relationship between calcium absorption and growth has been limited. We have developed a database of calcium absorption measurements in 315 girls aged 5.0-15.0 yr. DESIGN: We have used this database to assess the relationship between height, its age- and gender-normalized value (height Z-score), and calcium absorptive efficiency. RESULTS: Overall, height was significantly related to calcium absorption (corrected for calcium intake, age, Tanner, stage, and ethnicity) (P = 0.001). Similarly, height Z-score was significantly related to calcium absorption (P < 0.007). About 3-3.5% of the variability (eta2) of absorption was associated with height or height Z-score. We found that calcium absorption was significantly lower in girls with height Z-score equal to or less than zero compared with those with a height Z-score more than zero (difference, 3.9 +/- 1.4%, mean +/- sem; P = 0.007). Limiting the analysis to those girls in which Tanner staging was performed or those age 9 yr or older did not substantively affect these relationships. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that a small but significant component of the variability in calcium absorption is due to height. Identifying genetic risk factors for lowered calcium absorption during growth could lead to individual approaches for prevention of inadequate bone mass.

Absorption↗

Absorption of inorganic phosphate in the human jejunum and its inhibition by salmon calcitonin.

The jejunal absorption of inorganic phosphate (P) was studied under basal conditions and during the intravenous infusion of synthetic salmon calcitonin (SCT) in normal subjects. Net P absorption increased as the intraluminal P concentration was raised. At intraluminal P concentrations equal to or above the plasma P level P absorption manifested first order kinetics. At intraluminal P concentrations below the plasma P level, net P absorption was non-linear presumably due to the movement of P from plasma to the lumen down a chemical gradient. A net secretion of water and electrolytes occurred in six normal subjects given SCT (250 ng/kg/hr) while saline infusion instead of SCT had no effect on jejunal absorption. Along with the secretory effect SCT reduced calcium and P absorption by 58% and 62% respectively, without any significant fall in the serum levels of calcium or P. The jejunal response to SCT was reproduced twice in a hypoparathyroid subject showing that endogenous parathyroid hormone was not involved in this effect. Calcium and P absorption were positively correlated with water movement suggesting that the observed changes in calcium and P absorption are due primarily to SCT-induced secretion of water. It is concluded that SCT induces a net secretion of water and ions while simultaneously reducing calcium and P absorption.

Animals↗

Effect of medium-chain glycerides (MGK) on the intestinal absorption and the hepatobiliary transport of bromthymol blue.

The effect of medium chain glyceride (MGK) emulsion on the intestinal absorption and the biliary excretion of bromthymol blue (BTB) was investigated in rats. Extensive tissue accumulation of BTB was reduced when BTB was administered with MGK emulsion formulation. HCO-100, an emulsifier, was also important for the decrease in the tissue accumulation of BTB. The ratios of absorption percent to tissue accumulation percent and to free fraction, not contained in the droplet of emulsion, in MGK emulsion were much greater than that of the control. Pretreatment with BTB-free emulsion reduced BTB absorption under the control, although tissue accumulation was not affected. The absorption appeared to decrease with increase in the time of pretreatment. The effect of leaving treatment after pretreatment on the absorption of BTB was also investigated. With the increase in leaving time after pretreatment, reduced absorption tended to resume to the level of control. The change in monocaprylate content from 54 to 60% in MGK made a difference in BTB absorption and it was suggested that monocaprylate content in MGK was one of the significant factors of MGK emulsion on drug absorption. Bile recovery study was simultaneously carried out with an in situ recirculation experiment. The recovery of BTB into bile tended to decrease. The ratio of recovery percent of BTB into bile to the absorption percent of BTB also decreased extensively, which is possibly another effect of MGK on drug disposition.

Animals↗

Percutaneous absorption of indomethacin from mixtures of fatty alcohol and propylene glycol (FAPG bases) through rat skin: effects of oleic acid added to FAPG base.

The effects of oleic acid (OA) added to mixtures of fatty alcohol and propylene glycol (FAPG bases) on the percutaneous absorption of indomethacin (ID) were investigated by using the abdominal skin of rats in vivo. The percutaneous absorption of propylene glycol (PG) from FAPG base was simultaneously examined. The percutaneous absorption of ID from FAPG bases in the absence of OA was poor as compared with that from FAPG bases containing OA. It was observed that when OA was added to the vehicles in the range of 5 to 30%, the percutaneous absorption of ID from the vehicles was increased. In particular, the maximal enhancement of percutaneous absorption of ID was achieved at 5% OA. However, the enhancing effect of percutaneous absorption of ID diminished when the OA content in the vehicle exceeded 50%. PG was readily absorbed through the rat skin from FAPG bases and its percutaneous absorption profiles were similar to those of ID. It can be presumed that PG and ID penetrate together through the skin. In addition, it was confirmed that the percutaneous absorption of ID and PG from FAPG bases was not affected by the viscosity of the vehicle. If FAPG base is to be used as a vehicle for the purpose of percutaneous absorption of ID, OA is considered to be a useful additive.

Animals↗

[Molecular characterization of intestinal absorption of drugs by carrier-mediated transport mechanisms].

It has long been thought that intestinal absorption of most of the drugs proceeds by passive diffusion mechanism, in which lipid solubility of the drug molecule is a determinant factor. However, water-soluble natural compounds such as amino acids and sugars can move across cell membranes by the specialized carrier-mediated transport mechanisms. Although some drugs which are structurally analogous to natural compounds have been suggested to be absorbed by such transporters, no clear evidence for the involvement of carrier-mediated transport mechanisms has been obtained. In the present study, through the approach by means of the molecular cloning and functional expression of drug transporters as well as membrane physiological analysis for the drug transport across the intestinal epithelial cell membranes, participation of the carrier-mediated transport mechanisms for the drug absorption was clarified. They include peptide transporter, monocarboxylic acid transporter, anion antiporter, and P-glycoprotein. Most of them have a function for the uptake of drugs into epithelial cells, leading to the increased absorption of drugs, whereas P-glycoprotein excludes drugs into the lumen, thereby decreasing the apparent absorbability of drugs. A rat intestinal monocarboxylic acid-proton cotransporter, MCT1, and an anion antiporter, AE2, were suggested to contribute to the pH-dependent intestinal absorption of monocarboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, lactic acid, nicotinic acid, and valproic acid. An involvement of such pH-dependent transporters in the intestinal absorption of weak organic acids is important, because they may have an alternative mechanism against passive diffusion according to the pH-partition hypothesis. PepT1 cloned from rat intestinal epithelial cells as a peptide transporter was clarified to localize at the intestinal epithelia brush-border membrane and to function for the absorption of beta-lactam antibiotics by the proton-gradient energized mechanism. In contrast, P-glycoprotein functions for the secretion of drugs into the intestinal lumen, thereby decreasing intestinal absorption of an immunosuppressive, cyclosporin A and a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, azasetron. These lines of studies on the clarification of carrier-mediated drug absorption mechanisms will provide new knowledge for the strategies to the enhancement of intestinal absorption of drugs.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Effects of difructose anhydride III on calcium absorption in small and large intestines of rats.

Difructose anhydride III (DFA III; di-D-fructo-furanose 1,2':2,3' dianhydride) was prepared from inulin with Arthrobacter sp. H65-7 inulin fructotransferase (depolymerizing (inulase II; EC 2.4.1.93). DFA III is not hydrolyzed by enzymes in the small intestine, but is metabolized by microorganisms in the large intestine. We investigated the effects of DFA III on calcium absorption in two experiments. In the in vivo experiment, we examined the effects of DFA III, fructooligosaccharides, and raffinose on calcium absorption in male Sprague-Dawley rats 5 weeks old at start of the experiment and given feed containing 3% of one of these oligosaccharides for two weeks. The apparent calcium absorption was significantly higher in rats fed any of these oligosaccharides than in control rats, and the increase with DFA III was the greatest. Absorption in both the small and large intestines was affected. In rats fed DFA III, the cecal wall thickened and soluble calcium and the amounts of some organic acids were higher than in the control groups. In an in vitro experiment with everted jejunal and ileal sacs of rats, calcium absorption was higher when DFA III was present in the mucosal fluid at all concentrations tested (up to 200 mM). In the jejunal sacs, the increase in calcium absorption depended on the DFA III concentration. In the ileal sacs, the absorption was maximum at 50 mM DFA III and did not increase further at higher concentrations. These results indicate that intact DFA III stimulates calcium absorption in the small intestine, and that cecal fermentation of DFA III may contribute to the increase in calcium absorption by the large intestine.

Administration, Oral↗

Lactulose stimulates calcium absorption in postmenopausal women.

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.

Calcium↗

Five-week intake of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides increases intestinal absorption and status of magnesium in postmenopausal women.

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 isotope 25Mg together with a fecal marker. Subsequently, feces were collected for 5-7 days. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP/MS) was used for 25Mg 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 plasma 25Mg level and led to a higher urinary 25Mg 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.

Aged↗