EFFECT OF SOLUBLE CARBOHYDRATES FOR AVOCADO ON CALCIUM UTILIZATION IN THE RAT

Google Scholar
  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 34  (4) , 735-744
Abstract
Ethanolic extract containing containing soluble sugars was prepared from avocados (variety americana) coming from Madagascar. TLC and paper chromatography showed the presence of a ketoheptose, the mannoheptulose, in amount of 0.1 g/ml extract or 1.1 g/100 g fresh pulp. Physiological experiments were performed with avocado extract and comparatively with a sample of commercial mannoheptulose. Six mo. old rats were given by stomach tube 10 mM CaCl2 solution (+ 45Ca) containing a carbohydrate. Depending on the group, the carbohydate was 200 and 100 mM glucose (control), D-mannoheptulose (200, 100, 50 and 25 mM) and avocado extract concentrated or diluted 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16. Blood samples were taken at different times after the administration and plasma radioactivity was measured. Rats were sacrificed at 24 hours; femur and axis radioactivity was used as a measure of Ca absorption. Mannoheptulose and avocado extract were potent on Ca absorption. This absorption increased progressively with sugar concentration, in mannoheptulose and avocado groups. The results were discussed for their application to nutrition in tropical and subtropical countries.