Effect of Adding a Galacto-Oligosaccharides/Fructo-Oligosaccharides (GOS/FOS®) Mixture to a Normal and Low Calcium Diet, on Calcium Absorption and Bone Health in Ovariectomy-Induced Osteopenic Rats

Menopause is associated with bone loss. Prebiotics increase Ca,inorganic phosphorus (Pi), and Mg absorption, improving bone health. These increases would supply an extra amount of minerals, decreasing bone resorption and possibly reversing ovariectomy-induced bone loss. The present experimental study sought to evaluate the effect of adding a prebiotic GOS/FOS (R) mixture to a normal or a low Ca diet on Ca, Pi, and Mg absorption, in osteopenic rats. Four groups of n=8 rats each were OVX, and 8 rats were SHAM operated. All rats were fed a commercial diet for 45 days. They were then fed one of the following diet for 45 days: C-0.5%: SHAM fed AIN 93M containing 0.5%Ca; O-0.5% and O-0.3%: OVX rats fed AIN 93M, containing 0.5% or 0.3%Ca, respectively; GF-0.5% and GF-0.3%: OVX rats fed AIN 93M, containing 0.5% or 0.3%Ca+2.5% GOS/FOS (R), respectively. At the end of the experimental time point, Ca, P, and MgAbs% was significantly higher in GF-0.5% and GF-0.3% as compared to the remaining groups (p<0.01). Irrespective of diet Ca content, CTX decreased whereas femur Ca and P content, tibia BV/TV and GPC.Th, lumbar spine and proximal tibia BMD, bone strength, bone stiffness, and elastic modulus increased in the GF-0.5% and GF-0.3% groups as compared to O-0.5% and O-0.3%, respectively (p<0.05). This prebiotic mixture would be a useful tool to prevent the increase in bone loss associated with menopause and aging.