The effect of short chain fructooligosaccharides in promoting recovery from post-gastrectomy anemia is stronger than that of inulin

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two indigestible carbohydrates, short chain fructooligosaccharides (Sc-FOS) and inulin, on post-gastrectomy anemia. Four-week-old rats were subjected to gastrectomy or laparotomy (sham operation) and 6 weeks after surgery the animals were divided into one sham group and three gastrectomized groups. The gastrectomized rats were fed experimental diets containing either sucrose (control), 7.5% Sc-FOS or inulin for 6 weeks. The sham operated rats were fed the control diet. During the experimental feeding period, blood was collected by tail vein puncture every week for determination of hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht). The Hb and Ht values obtained for rats fed the Sc-FOS-containing diet were significantly higher than those for gastrectomized rats fed the control diet or the inulin-containing diet. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the effect of Sc-FOS in promoting recovery from post-gastrectomy anemia is stronger than that of inulin in rats.