Glucose polymer increases jejunal calcium, magnesium, and zinc absorption in humans

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Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of glucose polymer on jejunal calcium, magnesium, and zinc absorption in eight normal subjects, using the triple-lumen intestinal perfusion technique. For each subject, a 30-cm segment of jejunum was perfused for 60 min each with two different test solutions. When 4 mM glucose polymer was perfused net calcium absorption increased by fourfold (95 vs 488 µmol/30 cm/h), and net jejunal uptake of magnesium (393 µmol/30 cm/h) was observed, as compared to net magnesium secretion in the absence of glucose polymer. In addition, coadministration of glucose polymer doubled net zinc absorption (13 vs 29 µmol/30 cm/h). The rate of water absorption increased from 49 to 111 ml/30 cm/h. No further change in jejunal water and mineral absorption was observed when glucose polymer in the perfusate was increased from 4 to 8 mM. These results suggest that glucose polymer may have potential as an agent to significantly enhance mineral absorption.