Prebiotics Improve Magnesium Absorption

ZEIST, The NetherlandsAccording to a new study conducted by TNO Quality of Life and Cargill, consumption of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS) for 36 days stimulated magnesium absorption in girls, but did not affect calcium absorption (Nutr Res. 2009;29(4):229-37). For 36 days, 14 girls aged between 12 and 14 years received 10 g of sc-FOS or maltodextrin (placebo). Sc-FOS were taken daily for eight days followed by an intermittent intake mode on 28 random days to mimic noncontinuous intake. In a crossover design, true calcium and magnesium absorption was computed on the eight and 36th day of each treatment period from isotope enrichment in urine. Sc-FOS increased magnesium absorption by 18 percent after 36 days. Magnesium absorption did not change after the initial eight days of long-term sc-FOS intake. Sc-FOS did not affect calcium absorption. In addition, sc-FOS did not affect vitamin D, parathyroid hormone or markers of bone resorption.