Positive Health Online
Your Country
![[Image: http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2836.df7d2315253110ff5b3a566f94871f99.jpg "http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk")
![[Image: https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/4046.12831f50177f8848ee87b8e94411d6b3.jpg "https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/")
![[Image: http://www.balens.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2148.50367fa908013fae0a7f1a171543ef92.jpg "http://www.balens.co.uk")
![[Image: http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/1859.1296090fd8385e7ceff51c8011559097.jpg "http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer")
Research: DUCROS and co-authors,
Listed in Issue 120
Abstract
DUCROS and co-authors, Laboratoire Nutrition, Vieillissement et Maladies Cardiovasculaires, Universite Joseph Fourier, Domaine de la Merci, 38700 La Tronche, France, VDucros@chu-grenoble.fr, have researched the influence of fructo-oligosaccharides on the absorption of trace elements in postmenopausal women.
Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (sc-FOS) on the absorption of Copper, Zinc, and Selenium among postmenopausal women who are potential candidates for trace element deficiencies.
Methodology
In this randomized, double-blinded crossover study, 11 women past menopause and not on HRT took part. 10 grams daily sc-FOS or placebo were given for 5 weeks each in random order followed by a wash-out period of at least 3 weeks. At the end of each period, stable isotopes of copper (65Cu), zinc (67Zn) and selenium (74Se) were administered. Their concentration in stool was measured over the next 5 to 7 days, and this served to calculate the absorption of these trace elements.
Results
The absorption of copper was significantly enhanced by short-chain-fructooligosaccharides (p = 0.042). No effects were seen on the other two trace elements.
Conclusion
This is the first study on the influence of fructo-oligosaccharides on mineral metabolism. The relevance of the observation remains to be established.
References
Ducros V, Arnaud J, Tahiri M, Coudray C, Bornet F, Bouteloup-Demange C, Brouns F, Rayssiguier Y, Roussel AM. Influence of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS) on absorption of Cu, Zn, and Se in healthy postmenopausal women. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 24 (1): 30-37, Feb 2005.
