High-performance inulin and oligofructose prebiotics increase the intestinal absorption of iron in rats with iron deficiency anaemia during the growth phase.

Considering the high frequency of anaemia due to Fe deficiency, it is important to evaluate the effects of prebiotics on the absorption of Fe. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of high-performance (HP) inulin, oligofructose and synergy1 during recovery from anaemia in rats through the intestinal absorption of Fe, food intake, body growth, caecal pH and weight of the intestine. Wistar rats (n 47) were fed with rations of AIN93-G with no Fe to induce Fe deficiency anaemia. At 36 d of life, anaemic rats were divided into four groups: (1) the HP inulin group; (2) the synergy1 group; and (3) the oligofructose group, all with 100 g of the respective prebiotic per kg of ration; and (4) a control group, in which the prebiotic was replaced by maize starch. Then, 25 mg of elemental Fe/kg of ration was added to all rations to allow recovery from anaemia. The final values of Hb in the HP inulin, synergy1, oligofructose and control groups were, respectively: 98 (94-99); 83 (81-92); 100 (90-114); 77 (72-81) g/l, with a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0·001) between the oligofructose and control groups and the HP inulin and control groups. The four groups had an increase in weight and body length and had similar consumption of rations. The intestinal weight and caecal pH were significantly different between the groups that consumed prebiotics and the control group. HP inulin and oligofructose increased the intestinal absorption of Fe in rats.