Inulin-Type Fructan Supplementation of 3- to 6-Year-Old Children Is Associated with Higher Fecal Bifidobacterium Concentrations and Fewer Febrile Episodes Requiring Medical Attention.

Background: Inulin-type fructans used in formula have been shown to promote microbiota composition and stool consistency closer to those of breastfed infants and to have beneficial effects on fever occurrence, diarrhea, and incidence of infections requiring antibiotic treatment in infants.

Objectives: The primary study aim was to explore whether prophylactic supplementation with prebiotic fructans is able to influence the frequency of infectious diseases in kindergarten children during a winter period. A secondary objective was to ascertain the effect on the intestinal microbiota.

Mutation of megalin leads to urinary loss of selenoprotein P and selenium deficiency in serum, liver, kidneys and brain.

Distribution of selenium (Se) within the mammalian body is mediated by SePP (selenoprotein P), an Se-rich glycoprotein secreted by hepatocytes. Genetic and biochemical evidence indicate that the endocytic receptors ApoER2 (apolipoprotein E receptor 2) and megalin mediate tissue-specific SePP uptake. In the present study megalin-mutant mice were fed on diets containing adequate (0.