EFFECT OF FERMENTABLE FRUCTO-OLIGOSACCHARIDES ON MINERAL, NITROGEN AND ENERGY DIGESTIVE BALANCE IN THE RAT

In the present study, we have assessed the apparent retention of gross energy, nitrogen and Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu in rats receiving a diet s upplemented with fermentable fructo-oligosacharides with high and low degree of polymerization. Feeding 10% Raftilose(R) (degree of polymeri zation :4.8) or 10% Raftiline(R) (degree of polymerization :10) decrea sed to the same extent (a) the fecal excretion of all the minerals, de spite an increase in total fecal mass excretion leading to an improvem ent of the absorption of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn; (b) total gross energy abs orption; and (c) led to an increase in the faecal excretion and to a d ecreased urinary excretion of nitrogen, suggesting a displacement of p art of nitrogen excretion towards the large intestine. Feeding ferment able fructo-oligosaccharides may thus constitute a good way to counter act syndroms resulting from hyperammonemia or disturbed Fe, Ca, Mg and Zn homeostasis.