Galacto-fructo-oligosaccharide fortification of fermented non-dairy snack enhances calcium absorption in healthy adolescent girls

Protection of Galacto-Oligosaccharide against E. coli O157 Colonization through Enhancing Gut Barrier Function and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) has been added to infant formula as prebiotics and can bring many benefits to human health. This study proved the effect of GOS in prevention and alleviation against E. coli O157 invasion and colonization and the mechanism behind this was explored in a mice model. The results showed that the expression of Muc2 and Occlaudin were both significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05) by E. coli O157 infection, while GOS alleviated this phenomenon, which means that GOS can reduce the colonization of E. coli O157 by enhancing the gut barrier function. Through the determination of inflammatory cytokines, we found that GOS can relieve inflammation caused by pathogens. At the same time, GOS can promote the growth of probiotics such as Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae and Bacteroides, thus modulating microorganism environments and improving short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in the intestine. This study provides an explanation for the mechanism behind the protection of GOS against pathogen infection.

Perspective: Physiologic Importance of Short-Chain Fatty Acids from Nondigestible Carbohydrate Fermentation

In recent years, it has become increasingly obvious that dietary fiber or nondigestible carbohydrate (NDC) consumption is critical for maintaining optimal health and managing symptoms of metabolic disease. In accordance with this, the US FDA released its first official definition of dietary fiber in 2016 for regulation of Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels. Included in this definition is the requirement of an isolated or synthetic NDC to produce an accepted physiologic health benefit, such as improved laxation or reduced fasting cholesterol concentrations, upon consumption. Even though NDC fermentation and production of short-chain fatty acids elicit many physiologic effects, including serving as a source of energy for colonocytes, curbing glycemic response and satiety, promoting weight loss, enhancing mineral absorption, reducing systemic inflammation, and improving intestinal health, the process of fermentation is not considered a physiologic endpoint. Instead, expensive and laborious clinical trials must be conducted and an accepted physiologic benefit observed. In this review, we discuss the physiologic importance of NDC fermentation through extensive examination of clinical evidence and propose that the degree of fermentability of an NDC, rather than the endpoints of a clinical trial, may be appropriate for classifying it as a dietary fiber.

Hypoparathyroidism: what is the best calcium carbonate supplementation intake form?

INTRODUCTION

In hypoparathyroidism, calcium supplementation using calcium carbonate is necessary for the hypocalcemia control. The best calcium carbonate intake form is unknown, be it associated with feeding, juice or in fasting.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to evaluate the calcium, phosphorus and calcium×phosphorus product serum levels of hypoparathyroidism women after total thyroidectomy, following calcium carbonate intake in three different forms.

METHODS

A crossover study was carried out with patients presenting definitive hypoparathyroidism, assessed in different situations (fasting, with water, orange juice, breakfast with a one-week washout). Through the review of clinical data records of tertiary hospital patients from 1994 to 2010, 12 adult women (18-50 years old) were identified and diagnosed with definitive post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism. The laboratory results of calcium and phosphorus serum levels dosed before and every 30min were assessed, for 5h, after calcium carbonate intake (elementary calcium 500mg).

RESULTS

The maximum peak average values for calcium, phosphorus and calcium×phosphorus product were 8.63mg/dL (water), 8.77mg/dL (orange juice) and 8.95mg/dL (breakfast); 4.04mg/dL (water), 4.03mg/dL (orange juice) and 4.12mg/dL (breakfast); 34.3mg²/dL² (water), 35.8mg²/dL² (orange juice) and 34.5mg²/dL² (breakfast), respectively, and the area under the curve 2433mg/dLmin (water), 2577mg/dLmin (orange juice) and 2506mg/dLmin (breakfast), 1203mg/dLmin (water), 1052mg/dLmin (orange juice) and 1128mg/dLmin (breakfast), respectively. There was no significant difference among the three different tests (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The calcium, phosphorus and calcium×phosphorus product serum levels evolved in a similar fashion in the three calcium carbonate intake forms.

Effects of Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplementation on Constipation in Elderly Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

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BACKGROUND

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) exhibit soluble-fiber properties that beneficially affect bowel function and relieve constipation. The effects of FOS supplementation on constipation and biochemical parameters were examined in elderly continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. ♦

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was performed in elderly CAPD patients (5 males and 4 females) with chronic constipation. All subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 20 g FOS or placebo daily for 30 days. After a 14-day washout period, the patients were switched to the other substance for 1 more month. Before and after each treatment period, frequency of defecation, characteristics of feces, and colonic transit were evaluated. Biochemical parameters were also assessed. ♦

RESULTS

Fructo-oligosaccharides significantly increased the frequency of defecation (10.5 ± 2.0 vs 6.2 ± 1.4 times per week, p < 0.005) and changed the feces' appearance from type 1 (nut-like) to type 4 (sausage-like). The colonic transit determined by geometric center (GC) was augmented after FOS supplementation (3.9 ± 0.3 vs 3.2 ± 0.4, p < 0.05). Fructo-oligosaccharides had no effects on biochemical parameters. Fructo-oligosaccharides caused mild discomforts which were well tolerated after dose adjustment. ♦

CONCLUSIONS

Fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation is effective, well tolerated, and can be an alternative to other laxatives in CAPD patients with constipation. Further studies are needed to better assess the biochemical effects of FOS in the chronic kidney disease population.

Supplementation with calcium and short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides affects markers of bone turnover but not bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

This 24-mo randomized, double-blind, controlled trial aimed to examine whether supplementation with a natural marine-derived multi-mineral supplement rich in calcium (Ca) taken alone and in conjunction with short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide (scFOSs) has a beneficial effect on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in postmenopausal women. A total of 300 non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to daily supplements of 800 mg of Ca, 800 mg of Ca with 3.6 g of scFOS (CaFOS), or 9 g of maltodextrin. BMD was measured before and after intervention along with BTMs, which were also measured at 12 mo. Intention-to-treat ANCOVA identified that the change in BMD in the Ca and CaFOS groups did not differ from that in the maltodextrin group. Secondary analysis of changes to BTMs over time identified a greater decline in osteocalcin and C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) in the Ca group compared with the maltodextrin group at 12 mo. A greater decline in CTX was observed at 12 mo and a greater decline in osteocalcin was observed at 24 mo in the CaFOS group compared with the maltodextrin group. In exploratory subanalyses of each treatment group against the maltodextrin group, women classified with osteopenia and taking CaFOS had a smaller decline in total-body (P = 0.03) and spinal (P = 0.03) BMD compared with the maltodextrin group, although this effect was restricted to those with higher total-body and mean spinal BMD at baseline, respectively. Although the change in BMD observed did not differ between the groups, the greater decline in BTMs in the Ca and CaFOS groups compared with the maltodextrin group suggests a more favorable bone health profile after supplementation with Ca and CaFOS. Supplementation with CaFOS slowed the rate of total-body and spinal bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia-an effect that warrants additional investigation. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN63118444.

The role of gut microbiota in nutritional status

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The objective of this review is to outline the contribution of the gut microbiota to nutritional status and to highlight the mechanisms by which this can occur.

RECENT FINDINGS

Historically, research linking intestinal bacteria with nutritional status focused on the degradation of indigestible food components by bacterial enzymes and metabolites. Of late, emerging evidence suggests an independent role of the gut microbiota in the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis via complex interactions between microbially derived metabolites and specific target tissue cells. In addition, novel findings highlight specific microbial species involved in the production of a number of micronutrient components, which could potentially improve nutritional status in certain population groups, if available to the host at sufficiently abundant levels.

SUMMARY

New insights into the role of the gut microbiota and its holistic effects on the host are now emerging. High-throughput technologies allow for a greater insight into the role of the intestinal microbiota and the mechanisms by which it can contribute to overall nutritional status. Further, exploration of this evolving field of research will advance our understanding of how this complex ecosystem could advance the area of personalized nutrition in the future.

Influence of micronutrient status and socioeconomic gradient on growth indices of 2-18-year-old Indian girls

Micronutrient deficiencies are common consequences of the plant-based diet in children from developing countries which may affect their linear and ponderal growth. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between micronutrient status and growth indices in Indian girls. In cross-sectional studies (2006-2010), data on weight, height and diet were collected on 1302 girls (2-18 years) from Pune city, India. Fasting hemoglobin was measured on 1118 girls and serum zinc was measured on 695 girls. Height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) and body mass index for age Z-score (BMIZ) were computed using contemporary Indian references. HAZ >-1 was observed in 54% girls, and 18.1% were short (HAZ <-2). BMIZ was within the reference range (-2<BMIZ<2) in majority (82.4%) of the girls. Average HAZ and BMIZ were significantly higher in higher socioeconomic (HSE) than in middle (MSE) and lower (LSE) socioeconomic groups (p<0.05). Girls in all age groups had calcium, zinc, iron and vitamin intakes of <50% of Indian recommended dietary intakes. Mean nutrient intakes were significantly higher in HSE than in MSE and LSE girls (p<0.05). Girls with short stature (HAZ <-2) had significantly lower intakes of calcium, zinc, iron, β-carotene, riboflavin, niacin, folate and ascorbic acid (p<0.05). Higher levels of serum zinc and hemoglobin were observed in girls with HAZ >-1 than in short girls even after adjusting for socioeconomic status (SES). The mean serum zinc level of thin girls (BMIZ <-2) was significantly lower than those of both normal and overweight girls after adjusting for SES. Micronutrient sufficiency is of paramount importance for adequate growth in Indian girls.