Inulin-type fructans trigger changes in iron concentration and activity of bone metabolism biomarkers in blood plasma of growing pigs

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of dietary supplementation with dried chicory root and native chicory inulin on biochemical profile of blood plasma. In total 24 male piglets were divided into 3 groups (n = 8) and fed unsupplemented cereal-based diet (C diet), diet with 2% of native chicory inulin (T1 diet) or with 4% of dried chicory root (T2 diet). After 40 days of feeding pigs were sacrificed and blood plasma samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Plasma albumin concentration, as well as alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activity, were significantly higher in the group of animals fed T2 diet. Plasma γ-glutamyltransferase activity was significantly lower in the pigs fed T2 diet when compared to animals fed C and T1 diets. Significant increase in plasma iron concentration in animals fed T2 diet and slightly increased calcium level in both treatment groups were observed. It can be concluded that dietary fructans and dried chicory root do not affect liver functioning. Feeding growing pigs diet supplemented with dried chicory root significantly improves plasma iron concentration and may increase blood plasma calcium concentration what, in turn, may enhance bone mineralization and growth in young animals.