One of the most commonly taken supplements is calcium due to the widespread knowledge by the general public that calcium is important for bone health, particularly the prevention of osteoarthritis. Many other nutrients are also important for optimal bone density and new research shows that a prebiotic can improve bone structure in young teenagers. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(2):471-476) demonstrates that supplementing the diet with a combination of long and short chain inulin-like fructans (prebiotics) during puberty resulted in improved calcium absorption and increased bone mineral density of the whole body.
Prebiotics are compounds that are used as a fuel source by "friendly" bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Recent evidence has suggested that short term supplementation with inulin type fructans (ITFs) has improved calcium and magnesium absorption in animals and adolescents. Researchers wanted to assess these findings over a longer course and examine the effect on bone mineral density, a measure of the strength of bone.
Ninety-two pubertal boys and girls completed this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were divided in to groups given either 8g per day of the fructan (prebiotic) supplement or a maltodextrin placebo for 12 months. Both groups were advised to mix the powder with a standard amount of calcium fortified orange juice. Assessments of calcium absorption, dietary intakes and bone mineral density and bone mineral content were completed. The results showed that calcium absorption was enhanced in the fructan group at 8 weeks and 1 year after the start of the trial, which was not a surprise based on prior results. However, this is the first time improved bone mineral density and content has been demonstrated with long-term consumption of a fructan supplement.
The effect observed was between 15-20% greater than the placebo group. The authors suggest this effect may be due to "increased absorption of calcium in the colon by scavenging unabsorbed calcium." By-products produced by "friendly" bacteria in the colon may increase the solubility of minerals, thereby enhancing absorption. The amount of fructan consumed in the study was modest and only one subject complained of gastointestinal upset which resolved upon discontinuation of the supplement. This study offers a safe additional product to improve bone health.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 22, 2006 10:05 AM
