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Background: Calcium absorption efficiency and bone mineral mass are increased in adolescents who receive inulin-type fructans (ITF). The mechanism of action is unknown but in animal models appears to be related to increased colonic calcium absorption. Methods: We conducted a calcium kinetic study in young adults after dosing 42Ca orally and also giving 46Ca IV. Kinetic measurements were performed before and after 6 weeks of supplementation with 8 g/d of a mixed short and long degree of polymerization (DP) ITF. Blood samples were collected over 26 hours and a 48-hour urine collection obtained. The area under the curve of the oral tracer in the blood was calculated and relative increased absorption throughout the sampling period determined. Results: Eight young adults (of 13 studied), with average calcium intake about 900 mg/d responded to the ITF with an increased calcium absorption of at least 3%. The average increase in absorption was 8.3% (72 mg/d). Colonic absorption, defined as absorption that occurred more than 7 hours after oral dosing, represented 60-67% of the increase, or about 45 mg/d calcium absorption in the colon. Discussion: These findings suggest that multiple mechanisms account for the increased calcium absorption associated with the ingestion of a mixed long and short DP ITF. These likely include increased solubility and increased absorptive surface area throughout the intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Panama continues to have a substantial incidence of malnutrition. Among the most affected populations are children in rural areas and in indigenous populations. Methods: We evaluated nutritional status of preschool (PS) and school-aged (SA) children in two high-risk areas in Panama to determine the prevalence of growth-failure, anemia, Fe and Zn deficiency. Results: (data are Mean ± SEM) Discussion: These data demonstrate a high rate of malnutrition in this population. Although weight recovery occurs in SA children, longitudinal growth failure does not improve during this time. Iron and Zn deficiency are more common in PS than SA children. Intervention programs should focus on PS age groups. Anemia in PS children is primarily Fe deficient; in SA children it is likely associated with other issues such as parasite infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]