Abstract
The effects of fructooligosaccharide supplementation to an elemental diet on ammonia and mineral absorption were investigated in rats by catheterization of the portal vein. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with a catheter placed in the portal vein received an elemental diet with or without fructooligosaccharides via gastrostomy for 7 days. The portal ammonia concentration decreased on Day 3 and portal calcium and phosphorus concentrations increased on Days 3 and 5 in rats that received the formula with fructooligosaccharides, compared with those that received the formula without fructooligosaccharides. These results suggest that fructooligosaccharides added to an elemental diet are effective in reducing the inflow of ammonia from the hind gut and enhancing the absorption of calcium and phosphorus at an early stage of enteral nutrition.
