Fructooligosaccharide and Calcium Absorption in Adolescent Girls

Purdue University26 enrolled

Overview

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are believed to have positive effects on calcium absorption and bone accrual during growth. This study aims to see whether the addition of fiber in the form of FOS to a calcium-containing beverage will increase calcium absorption. During two clinical visits, participants will receive a beverage containing a small amount of calcium, supplemented with either no dietary fiber or a small amount of fiber. Height, weight, bone density and geometry, calcium absorption, and physical fitness will be measured. The effects of this fiber intervention may provide support for improving bone health with minimal fiber supplementation.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Osteoporosis

Interventions

Zero or 3 g of a fructooligosaccharide will be administered in a beverage containing 300 mg total calcium as well as 15 mg 44Ca (calcium carbonate). Participants will be given one of the above beverages in addition to intravenously receiving 5 mg 43Ca (calcium chloride)in 10 ml saline.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 10 YearsMax age: 12 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Female * Calcium intake of 900-1300 mg/d * Generally healthy Exclusion Criteria: * Male * BMI \> 90th percentile for age * Takes medication that influences calcium metabolism * Any disorder of calcium or bone homeostasis (hypercalcemia, Paget's Disease) * Smoking, illegal drug consumption * Any gastrointestinal disease (Crohn's Disease, Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Fractional Calcium Absorption

Time frame: 24 h urine and 3 h blood

Secondary Outcomes

Bone density and geometry measured with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)

Time frame: Initial visit